Adam Johnson joins Sunderland

Adam Johnson

Whoever prints the names on the replica shirts at the Stadium of Light was probably on overtime after Sunderland made two signings.

Having just sized up how to fit the name of Steven Fletcher, after the striker completed his protracted move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the man in the club shop began work on the new range of Adam Johnson shirts.

It might be a fair bet that the replica shirts got more use than the No.11 one he wore for Manchester City last season, where winger found himself superfluous to the needs of the coach, Roberto Mancini, for whom he became an increasingly peripheral element within the squad.

The 25-year-old scored 15 goals in 97 games for City but 43 of those appearances came as a substitute as he struggled to hold down a place in side. But his performance during England’s recent victory over Italy had been a reminder of what Johnson can bring to a team and both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur had been in the race to his signature on a four-year contract for an undisclosed sum.

But hometown ties for Johnson, who comes from Easington in Co Durham, proved strong enough and Martin O’Neill, the Sunderland manager, said to the club’s website: “Adding quality players to the squad has been our main aim this summer and Adam certainly fits that bill.

“He has terrific ability, great delivery and I'm sure he is a player who will excite our fans. I couldn't be more delighted to have him at the football club.”

O’Neill will be hoping that Johnson can form an attacking partnership with Fletcher, who also joined on a four-year deal.

The Scotland international has scored 36 goals in 106 appearances in England since joining Burnley from Scottish Premier League side Hibernian three years ago.
Chelsea have completed the signing of Wigan forward Victor Moses, taking their summer spending to £80million.

The club paid Wigan a fee of £9million to sign the 21-year-old forward, who completed a medical on Friday evening.

Paul Wheeler

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