The Black Cats landed Ecuador winger Nilson Angulo on transfer deadline day
Nilson Angulo of Ecuador
Sunderland new boy Nilson Angulo of Ecuador
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Ecuador international Nilson Angulo has been signed for Sunderland from Anderlecht and the move, made on winter deadline day, sparked a major debate back in his home country.
The transfer is a massive step for his career, but former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo told Olé he has mixed feelings about it. He called the move an obvious leap in quality, but is not sure about the timing.
Caicedo spent three years at the Etihad and knows exactly how tough English football is. He suggests his fellow countryman could have arrived at an even bigger club if he had just waited until the summer.
“An obvious leap in quality,” he said. “But I think if he had waited six months until the end of the season, he would have signed for a top-six Premier League team.
Caicedo thinks staying in Belgium for six more months could have led to a top-six Premier League team – even though Sunderland might actually be that club the way they are going.
And it was Sunderland who moved fast to grab a player who was clearly attracting more interest by the week.
Talk of a move to an elite club was not just rumours, either. Angulo mentioned on Boxing Day that he had seen stories linking him to Liverpool.
He was quick to point out, though, that Arne Slot’s team never actually made a move. Sunderland decided to pounce now rather than risk a bidding war in the summer.
They have signed a player with 21 goal involvements in 94 games for Anderlecht, suggesting he can handle the physical side of the English game. The Ecuador national team benefits from having another attacker in the Premier League. Even so, Caicedo still feels the young star could have aimed even higher.
That big price tag means Angulo must perform right away, but his recent play shows he has the tools to justify the outlay.
Meanwhile, Angulo delivered a heartfelt farewell to his former club.
Having arrived on Wearside for an initial £15m fee with a further £2.5mn in potential future add-ons, the forward was quick to express his gratitude to the club and their supporters.
Writing on social media, Angulo said: “Dear Anderlecht Family... Today marks the end of a very special chapter in my career and my life. Today I say goodbye to you all to begin a new chapter, but before I do, I want to thank everyone who is part of this institution, which opened its doors to me and gave me the opportunity to fulfil one of my childhood dreams: to play for a great club in Europe.
“I want to express my gratitude for the trust and support the club has given me at all times. To my teammates and the staft, for the daily work and for helping me grow as a footballer. It has been a pleasure to share the dressing room with all of you.
“And of course, to all the fans, who make Anderlecht even greater, for your constant support of me and the team, through thick and thin. I wish you all much success and all the best in the future. With love...”