Sunderland have completed the signing of QPR midfielder Josh Scowen on a permanent deal.
The January transfer window slams shut at the end of the week but Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson has ensured that he has got a number of players through the door already.
In his first transfer window since taking charge of the club in October, Parkinson has signed centre-back Bailey Wright on loan from Bristol City and striker Kyle Lafferty on a free transfer.
Scowen is the latest name to add to that list, as it was announced by the club late yesterday evening that the midfielder had made a permanent switch to the Stadium of Light for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old has been a bit-part player at QPR this season, making the majority of his Championship appearances off the bench.
Scowen told the Sunderland website: “I’m over the moon to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I just want to show the gaffer what I can do and get in the team so that I can help the club keep winning games. I feel fit and I’m raring to go.”
The central midfielder has a great record in League One, having scored eight times and provided six assists in 55 appearances and helped Barnsley seal promotion in the 2015/16 campaign.
Scowen developed through the Wycombe Wanderers academy and broke through into the first team in the 2012/13 campaign.
He made the switch to Oakwell in January 2015 and then to QPR in the summer of 2017.
With just a few days left of the window, it will be interesting to see whether Sunderland get any more deals done.
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The Verdict
This isn't one I saw coming but it is a signing that makes a lot of sense for the Black Cats.
Dylan McGeouch left the club this month and Grant Leadbitter has often looked off the pace this season, leaving Parkinson needing to add some reinforcements in central midfield.
Scowen will provide exactly that. A versatile midfielder, the 26-year-old is good both in and out of possession and should provide some balance to the squad.
He has shown in the past that he can thrive in League One and his experience achieving promotion and winning the play-offs could prove vital.