With the Premier League transfer season inching toward the final month of player movement, clubs have begun to make final adjustments heading into the 2008-2009 campaign. Saturday saw former Tottenham Hotspur defender Pascal Chimbonda move to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee. Chimbonda, who can play any of the back four positions, will more than likely make the club’s starting XI on August 16th as Sunderland hosts Liverpool at the famed Stadium of Light.
Chimbonda is part of the recent four-player offer made to Tottenham by Sunderland’s manager – former Manchester United star Roy Keane. Sunderland made a £23 million offer that was accepted by Spurs for Chimbonda, Teemu Tainio, Younes Kaboul and Steed Malbranque. Along with Chimbonda, Tainio has agreed to terms with the Black Cats signing a three-year contract. The Finnish midfielder can play both in the defensive and attacking roles. Frenchman Malbranque also looks ready to sign with Sunderland. Kaboul appears to favor a move to rival club Portsmouth.
Earlier in the transfer period, Sunderland signed two Irishmen. Journeyman goalkeeper Nick Colgan arrives from Ipswich Town and David Meyler, a 19-year-old midfielder, arrives from Cork City.
The Black Cats finished 15th in the Premiership standings last season. Will these additions carry the club to a mid-table finish?
