It was a busy day on Wearside as four players arrived and the January transfer window slammed shut.
After seeing Lewis Grabban and James Vaughan depart, Chris Coleman has been seeking attacking reinforcements to bolster his forward line.
And with time running out, the Welshman got his man.
Following Tuesday’s bitterly disappointing result at Birmingham City, there was an added pressure on the Black Cats to add to their squad and provide a timely lift.
But the first move of the day was a departure, as Didier Ndong sealed a move to Watford following weeks of speculation surrounding the Gabon international’s future.
Back on Wearside, Ovie Ejaria was the first man through the door.
The 20-year-old arrived at the Academy of Light with plenty of time to complete the deal, and at 7pm his move to Wearside was confirmed.
🛑🙌 Stop what you're doing, we have an announcement to make... pic.twitter.com/5ex5vhG2YX
— Sunderland AFC 🔴⚪ (@SunderlandAFC) January 31, 2018
A talented midfielder who wants to bring goals and assists to the table, Ejaria has been in scintillating form for the Reds’ table-topping under-23s.
And he’s relishing the prospect of regular senior football.
One hour later, there was an academy arrival at the AoL as Connor Shields put pen to paper on an 18-month deal.
The 20-year-old, who has spent the last week on trial with the club, will link up with Elliott Dickman’s under-23 side and he’ll be hoping to build on a successful six months at Albion Rovers, during which time he scored 12 first-team goals.
As the clocked ticked past 9pm to signal the final two hours of the window, the AoL remained a hub of activity as Coleman continued his search for reinforcements at both ends of the pitch.
But with just over an hour remaining, the Welshman got his man as Ashley Fletcher underwent a medical ahead of a loan move from Middlesbrough and papers were filed with seconds remaining.
Fletcher, 22, joined Middlesbrough in July 2017 following one season with West Ham United during which time he made 16 Premier League appearances.
Prior to moving to East London, Fletcher rose through the ranks at Manchester United and spent time on loan with Barnsley where he helped the Tykes win the Football League trophy and promotion to the Sky Bet Championship via the League One play-offs.
You up? pic.twitter.com/d1m6ybG2LS
— Sunderland AFC 🔴⚪ (@SunderlandAFC) February 1, 2018
There was still time for one more deal, as Lee Camp arrived seconds after Fletcher.
The goalkeeper will link up with his new team-mates on Thursday after completing a deal remotely due to time restrictions.
And that, was deadline day.
