“It’s not ideal" - Sunderland AFC reaction issued to surprise Jayden Danns development | OneFootball

FLW’s Sunderland fan pundit shares mixed feelings on Liverpool loanee Jayden Danns, who joins with a back injury delaying his debut

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland’s deadline day signing of Liverpool striker Jayden Danns has sparked debate among fans, with the teenager arriving on Wearside with a back injury.

The 19-year-old, who first made an impact last season with a brace in Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Southampton, has joined on loan until the end of the 2024-25 campaign, but won’t be available immediately due to a back injury identified during his medical.

With Naziriy Rusyn and Aaron Connolly departing in the January window, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris needed fresh competition for Wilson isidor and Eliezer Mayenda, and despite fighting off competition from Blackburn Rovers and Hull City for the forward, he will not be able to utilise his new signing for a number of weeks.

Sunderland AFC reaction issued to Jayden Danns injury development

Sunderland admitted neither they nor Liverpool were aware of Danns’ issue before his medical, but with deadline day closing in, it was too late to pivot to another striker. Instead, both clubs agreed to the deal, hoping Danns could still make an impact once fit.

For some supporters, it’s a frustrating twist. FLW's Sunderland fan pundit Jack Austwicke summed up the mixed reaction, expressing some excitement for Danns' eventual debut but also a frustration that he cannot come in and make an immediate impact.

“It’s a bit of a weird one that he can’t come in and play straight away and have an impact in the team," Jack told FLW.

"I think he'd have to wait a few weeks anyway with Isidor and Mayenda playing quite well.

“It’s not ideal. You’ve got a person who’s on loan until the end of May, so four months essentially, and he’s already out for one of them.”

"It’s a bit of a shame, but we’ve got to work with what we’ve got, and hopefully, if he has an impact and scores say three goals, and one of those goals is key in taking us up, then it’s a good signing.”

Jayden Danns issue is not ideal for Sunderland AFC, but they should cope without him

With Wilson Isidor racking up his numbers and Jobe Bellingham proving a goal threat from midfield, the team isn’t completely reliant on Danns coming in and making an impact - the key concern is whether his absence will be felt in crucial upcoming fixtures.

The Championship schedule is relentless, and waiting weeks for Danns to become available means banking on the current squad to stay fit and firing.

Danns himself seems determined to make up for lost time. Speaking after the move, he acknowledged the setback but remained focused on proving himself at senior level.

“This is my first loan move and a chance to prove myself,” Danns told Sunderland’s in-house media team.

“I’m disappointed that I will be unable to do that straightaway, but I’m proud to have joined the Club and I will work hard throughout this period to ensure I can return to action and play my part.”

With the window now closed, Sunderland will have to make do until Danns recovers. Whether his signing proves to be a shrewd move or a costly risk will depend on what happens when he finally gets on the pitch.