Luke O’Nien sends emotional Sunderland message as new challenge looms
Sunderland’s summer spending spree threatens to leave fan favourite Luke O’Nien out of the team on their Premier League return.
The Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley in the Championship play-off final to secure top flight status for the first since in eight seasons, on what has been a dramatic journey for the club.
Back-to-back relegations left Sunderland down in League One, but now manager Regis Le Bris is able to sign players like former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka has joined from Bayer Leverkusen becoming the club’s seventh signing of the window and joins Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki as central midfield additions to the squad.
O’Nien celebrates career landmark
O’Nien faces competition at the club to keep his starting place at Sunderland next season, but the 30-year-old can operate across many different positions on the pitch.
Last season, O’Nien was a key figure at centre-back although he can also play in midfield and has filled in at full-back when required.
Ahead of the new season, O’Nien has reached a milestone seven year anniversary at the club which he celebrated in an Instagram post.
O’Nien said Sunderland was a ‘magnificent club’ and he has memories that will live with him forever.
Tom Watson, who scored the winning goal in the play-off final, called O’Nien a “legend” whilst former Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham replied “what a man.”
Le Bris to still lean on O’Nien qualities
Football Insider Verdict
O’Nien has been a pivotal figure throughout Sunderland’s rise back to the Premier League and his commitment and love for the club will be valuable next season.
The 30-year-old has never played a Premier League match, joining Sunderland when they were back in League One, but the former club captain’s versatility means he is likely to get minutes in the team despite the flurry of new signings.
| Apperances | 314 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 16 |
Le Bris has been active with the market to bolster his squad and replace the likes of Watson and Bellingham who have departed.
The midfield area especially looks complete, but there transfer business is still not complete with a new goalkeeper one of their top priorities, and they’re lining up Wolves‘ Sam Johnstone.
Burnley though are now the favourites to sign the 32-year-old shot stopper.
The Black Cats begin their Premier League season against West Ham before travelling to Burnley, with points from both fixtures very achievable.