Why Sunderland made a great addition by signing Lewis Morgan
Struggling to get game-time under Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, Lewis Morgan decided to go out on loan to League One side Sunderland. While it did take a while to come to an agreement over certain figures and options, the Black Cats eventually confirmed things on deadline day (h/t BBC).
While they have also added Will Griggs and Kazaiah Sterling, Morgan will play a key part going forward. The 22-year-old rejoins former St Mirren manager Jack Ross as they look to get Sunderland back into the Championship, before thinking of making a jump to Premier League football.
So far, the Black Cats haven’t done too badly and sit fourth in the League one table, only nine points behind leaders Luton Town. While there is still a long way to go, they have time on their side and should only look to improve going forward.
The addition of both Griggs and Sterling will be more than useful in replacing the departed Josh Maja’s goals, but it’s Lewis Morgan who is needed the most at the Stadium of Light.
Both Aiden McGeady and Chris Maguire are in their 30s, which means that they can no longer endure the pressure of a full league season. While Duncan Watmore’s presence will help going forward, it’s a fact that Morgan would be a great asset.
The 22-year-old is ambidextrous and as a result can play on either wing, using either foot, making him a menace to defenders. Not to mention – his eye for goal will be very useful with, scoring 14 goals last season and six the season before. This will help Sunderland as they look to replace top-scorer Maja, who left for Bordeaux during the winter transfer window.
This is only a loan spell, however, if Morgan establishes himself as a first-team star for the League One side, then maybe his former manager might consider making the move permanent. The Championship is a bigger, stronger and tougher animal, and having someone as good as Lewis Morgan will help the shift in power if the Black Cats do achieve their dreams of promotion.
The 22-year-old has a long career ahead of him and while he may not get a permanent move to Sunderland, then hopefully he proves himself to Brendan Rodgers, who used him sparingly at Celtic.
