Former Sunderland transfer target Will Smallbone has signed a new three-year contract with rivals Southampton.
The Saints and Black Cats will face each other at the Stadium of Light in League Two next Saturday in the competition. Ahead of the clash, Southampton manager Russell Martin was given a contract increase when Smallbone signed a new contract.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder has been linked with Sunderland several times recently, but ultimately joined Alex Neil at Stoke City last season before Southampton were relegated from the Premier League.
Smallbone’s name was mentioned again with Sunderland in the summer, with top-flight side Sheffield United also interested in the 23-year-old, who has now put pen to paper with Southampton to extend his stay with the club nearly 20 years old. . Regarding his new contract, Smallbone said:
“I’m happy to have finally crossed the finish line and I’m looking forward to the future.
“Not being here last year, coming back and seeing the change and everything happening is like a breath of fresh air.
“I’m really excited to work with the manager, having played against them last year and their style of play. I think that’s something that would really help me.
“The confidence and positivity of the team and myself have only increased since I returned.”
The Black Cats’ last game came against Coventry City in the Championship last weekend as Tony Mowbray’s side drew 0-0 in the Midlands. Sunderland has 4 points after the first 4 matches.
With Patrick Roberts sidelined again through injury, Abdullah Ba has another chance to impress on the right wing.
Jobe Bellingham continues to progress, with new signings Mason Burstow and Nazariy Rusyn failing to register in time to play against Saints. This was also the case for Timothée Pembélé and Adil Aouchiche, but both were at Stade Lumière watching from the stands.
After deadline day, Elliot Embleton and Danny Batth were replaced on the bench by Ellis Taylor and Jewison Bennette. Embleton completed his loan move to Derby on deadline day, while Batth joined Norwich City.
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