New signing ‘only wanted Sunderland’ despite rival Championship interest

Deadline day arrival Rhys Walsh claims ‘he just wanted to go to Sunderland’ after admitting Championship rivals Stoke were also interested.

Walsh, 17, joined the Black Cats last month from Glentoran for an unknown price, adding to Wearside’s already significant Northern Irish impact.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, he stated that he did not expect it to happen so soon, but it was clearly the move he wanted.

“I went to Sunderland last summer on trial and I really enjoyed it,” he stated. “We continued in touch, and I realized I wanted to join the club.

“On deadline day, I was able to book a flight and signed for it.

“I went to Sunderland last summer on trial and I really enjoyed it,” he said. “We kept in touch, and I decided I wanted to join the club.

“On deadline day, I was able to book and sign for a flight.

“I received the phone call on the transfer deadline day, and we secured a flight at 8 p.m. before the window closed at 11 p.m., so it was last-minute stuff.

Walsh is unlikely to push for the first team anytime soon, but the winger will be promoted to the under-21 level.

He is also a player who definitely believes in himself.

“The plan is to push on to play for the Under-21 side and then progress to the first team,” he added. “I want to develop as much as possible.

“My career has moved swiftly, which is good. I have the same agency as Trai Hume, and we have discussed the transfer.

“He’s doing great, and I aspire to follow in his footsteps. Dan Ballard and Corry Evans are both doing admirably for Sunderland.

“Players like Conor Bradley and Callum Marshall are proving to the world that Northern Ireland produces elite talent.

“I believe I will adjust nicely. I have climbed up to the Glentoran first team and will have the same conviction at Sunderland.”