This week Sunderland confirmed rumours to be true when they announced their new signing, Bailey Wright. Wright joins the Black Cats from Championship side Bristol City on loan until the end of the season. He is no stranger to a League One promotion battle, having escaped the league with Preston North End earlier in his career. The player’s experience getting out of the league could be an invaluable asset to Phil Parkinson and his squad.
When the club, and Wright himself, posted confirmation of the deal on Twitter, Sunderland fans were thrilled. They think he is far too good for League One and will have a massive impact on their side. They are confident that he will take them right back up to the Championship, where one fan hopes he continues to play for Sunderland.
Welcome to Sunderland AFC@baileywright92 hopefully straight back up to the championship for you
— Joseph Bell (@JosJosbell08) January 21, 2020
Welcome to the mighty #safc Bailey. Be good to see you on the pitch xx
— Debz SAFC’s no.1 (@tazz72deb) January 21, 2020
Welcome to #SAFC Bailey. Take us back to the Championship
— Simon (@KingstonSi) January 21, 2020
Delighted to have you mate, you are far too good for this League, I do hope you sign a permanent contract at the end of your loan tho.
— Kieran ‘Brexiteer’ Richardson (@YoungTory1997) January 21, 2020
Do you think Wright will be the signing needed to take Sunderland to the Championship?
Yes
No
And while there were plenty of responses to Sunderland’s post complaining about another loan signing, many fans pointed out that the player’s contract at Bristol City expires in the summer. This move ensures that the side pays no transfer fee, while still having an option of signing the player permanently, for free, later on.
Could be good business if he’s good we might get him on a free at the end of the season.
— Safc_Ha’WAY THE LADS (@Safc_HAWAY) January 21, 2020
His contract expires in the summer, so why pay money for him?
— Tom (@Leech27Tom) January 21, 2020
Great signing and no cash involved… if people can’t see the benefits of that then the worlds gone mad
— Will (@wdt0_0) January 21, 2020
What do we think?
While Wright brings a wealth of experience to Sunderland, it could be a few games before he completely shakes off the cobwebs. He has only played 272 minutes of football this season, which is probably why he is looking for a loan in the first place. His fitness levels may be high, but hopefully, for Sunderland fans, he is also match-ready.