22-year-old Irish striker Tom Cannon has officially joined Sunderland on January 17, 2025. Cannon has signed a contract that ties him to the Black Cats until June 30, 2028, marking a significant step in the club’s push for promotion to the Premier League.
The Transfer Saga
Cannon’s move to Sunderland comes after months of speculation regarding his future at Leicester City. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the young striker struggled to secure a regular spot in the Leicester starting XI, making just 13 appearances in the Championship this season and contributing two goals and one assist. Frustrated with limited opportunities, Cannon sought a fresh start, and Sunderland emerged as the perfect destination.
Speaking at his unveiling, Cannon expressed his excitement about joining the Black Cats: “Sunderland is a club with a proud history and an incredible fanbase. I’m thrilled to be here and can’t wait to contribute to the team’s success. My goal is to help the club achieve promotion and repay the faith they’ve shown in me.”
Sunderland’s Ambitions
Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris,, was instrumental in securing Cannon’s signature. Regis Le Bris,, who has been building a youthful and dynamic squad, sees Cannon as a key piece in the puzzle.
“Tom is a fantastic addition to our squad,” Regis Le Bris, said. “He’s a natural goalscorer with great movement and a keen eye for goal. We believe he’ll fit seamlessly into our system and provide the firepower we need to push for promotion.”
Currently sitting in fourth place in the Championship table, Sunderland is well-positioned for a playoff push. Cannon’s arrival adds depth and quality to an already talented attacking lineup.
The Player Profile
Born in Aintree, England, but eligible to represent Ireland, Cannon began his professional career at Everton’s academy. After progressing through the youth ranks, he made his senior debut for Everton in 2022 before joining Leicester City in September 2023 for a reported fee of £7 million. At Leicester, Cannon showcased his potential but found consistent opportunities hard to come by.
A prolific forward with a knack for being in the right place at the right time, Cannon’s versatility allows him to operate as a central striker or on the flanks. His loan spell at Stoke City in the 2024–25 season further highlighted his capabilities, as he netted 11 goals in 25 appearances, including a stunning four-goal performance in a 6-1 demolition of Portsmouth.
Fan Reactions
Sunderland fans have greeted Cannon’s arrival with enthusiasm, taking to social media to share their excitement.
“Tom Cannon is exactly what we need! Young, hungry, and full of potential. Welcome to the Stadium of Light,” wrote one supporter on Twitter. Another added, “Mowbray’s building something special here. Cannon could be the missing piece in our promotion push.”
The Financials
While the exact transfer fee has not been disclosed, reports suggest Sunderland paid around £5 million to secure Cannon’s services. The deal also includes performance-related bonuses and a sell-on clause, ensuring Leicester benefits from any future transfers involving the striker.
Looking Ahead
Cannon’s immediate focus will be on settling into his new surroundings and integrating with his teammates. With Sunderland set to face a string of crucial fixtures in the coming weeks, the Irishman could make his debut as early as this Saturday in a home clash against Rotherham United.
For Cannon, the move represents a chance to reignite his career and fulfill the potential he displayed as a youngster at Everton. For Sunderland, his signing signals their intent to challenge for promotion and return to the top flight of English football after a five-year absence.
Manager’s Confidence
Regis Le Bris’ confidence in Cannon was evident in his closing remarks at the press conference. “We’ve brought Tom here because we believe in his ability and his hunger to succeed. He’s young, talented, and determined to make an impact. I’m confident he’ll thrive in our setup and play a pivotal role in the months ahead.”
Conclusion
As Sunderland embarks on the second half of the Championship season, all eyes will be on Tom Cannon and his contributions to the team’s success. With his talent, determination, and a supportive environment, Cannon has every opportunity to flourish at the Stadium of Light.
For Sunderland fans, the dream of promotion feels closer than ever. And for Tom Cannon, the move to Wearside marks the start of an exciting new chapter in his burgeoning career.
