“Your only issue is” – Aaron Connolly “problem” identified as ex-Hull City star joins Sunderland AFC

Aaron Connolly has completed a move to Sunderland as a free agent after leaving Hull City at the end of last season.

   The Irish international spent 18 months with the Tigers, but had a number of injury problems that prevented him from playing on a regular basis.

   This contributed to his exit at the end of his contract as he made just 33 Championship appearances for the Yorkshire side, including just 17 starts (all stats from Fbref).

   Despite that, he has scored 10 league goals in that time and Sunderland hope he can add some extra firepower to Régis le Bris’ side this season as he has signed a one-year deal, according to the BBC.

   Hull City’s verdict on Aaron Connolly’s move from Sunderland

   When asked if Connolly’s signing for Sunderland was a play, the Hull City FLW pundit claimed he has the potential to score 15 to 20 goals in the Championship if he stays fit.

   However, he warned that fitness issues could hold him back at Sunderland.

   “I liked Connolly, he’s definitely a player there,” Northgraves told Football League World.

   “Your only problem is keeping him in shape.

   “He scored eight goals for us last season, and he played most of his appearances from the bench.

   I think he’s only started 13, but he’s a good player and scorer.

   “If he was consistent and stayed fit at this level, he would achieve a lot in this league.

   “I 100 percent think he’s a 15-20 shooter if he has a full season of games, 46 games.

   “But the only problem is keeping it in shape, it just seems to be made of glass.

   “He’s constantly in the treatment room and then there are questions about his behavior off the field, going to nightclubs and things like that.

   “I think he needs a permanent home to revive him, focus him and give him some stability.

   “Being a player who is obviously talented, he made it into the Premier League for Brighton and he looked like a player.

   “He’s got international experience with Ireland and in the season and a half we’ve had him he’s been really good.

   “Hopefully he will find a permanent home at Sunderland and stay fit this season to get a longer contract because he is a good player.”

   Sunderland’s league position

   Connolly will be hoping to help Sunderland fight for promotion this season, with the team currently second in the Championship table.

   The Black Cats have won five of their opening six games, dropping their only point in defeat to Plymouth Argyle.

   Le Bri’s side are the joint top scorers in the division so far and now have Connolly to choose from among their attacking options.

   The forward will get the chance to make his Sunderland debut this weekend when the club host Watford at 3pm on September 28, although he will face competition for playing time from the in-form Eliezer Mayenda.

   Connolly’s signing is entirely dependent on his fitness

   A move to Connolly is relatively risk-free because he was a free agent and only has a one-year contract.

   He adds good experience to this, as he already played a few seasons in the Premier League and Championship at the age of just 24.

   If he can stay fit he will score, as his performance at Hull proved, he is a great finisher and knows how to hit the net regularly at this level.

   But his fitness is an issue and he could only play a few games without problems if these issues are not addressed.