Sunderland took a punt on striker Aaron Connolly earlier in the 2024/25 season. He was without a club for several months but the Black Cats gave him a home. After just four months on Wearside though, it looks like Connolly is leaving.
There was definitely an air of excitement when Sunderland signed Aaron Connolly back in September. He was a free agent throughout the summer after Hull City let him go, despite the Irishman scoring eight Championship goals last time
Then when Connolly was scoring goals for the U21s, Sunderland fans were even more excited about the 24-year-old, and what he might have to offer in the Championship. But Connolly has scored just once in 10 league outings for the Black Cats so far.
Wilson Isidor is far and away the preferred choice up front. Connolly has featured in just one of Sunderland’s last six league fixtures now, with reports that Millwall are set to sign Connolly. Now, Alan Nixon has weighed in on the rumour.
Aaron Connolly could seal free transfer to Millwall
Sunderland paid nothing for Connolly. And it looks like Millwall may not have to pay anything either with Alan Nixon confirming that Connolly is free to leave the Stadium of Light, and that Millwall could sign him on a free transfer.
Nixon then writes that Connolly ‘could be snapped up by Millwall who have been alerted to his availability’, potentially suggesting that there are other clubs interested, or that Sunderland offered him to other clubs along with Millwall.
In December, Millwall appointed former Sunderland boss Alex Neil. Since, the Scot has overseen two games in the league, losing at home to Oxford United then drawing at Sheffield Wednesday, before beating Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup last time out.
Michael Graham’s damning verdict on Aaron Connolly at Sunderland
Soon after Connolly’s initial links to The Den broke out, journalist Michael Graham weighed in with his verdict on the Irishman’s move to Wearside.
Graham said Connolly doesn’t suit Sunderland’s style of play, which is fair given what we’ve seen so far. Regis Le Bris wants his players moving from defence to attack in an instant and Isidor’s pace and power is perfect for that, whereas Connolly’s attributes aren’t really a match.
Graham posted on X: “Think Aaron Connolly is a good player, but he’s not the profile needed for the quick transition game that #SAFC want to play. Hope he does well at Millwall if the move happens.”
Sunderland took a gamble by signing Connolly. But it was a risk worth taking with Connolly having goals in his locker, just not with Sunderland. He could well be a great signing for Millwall as they look to get back up the Championship table
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