David Moyes spoke with remarkable defeatism this month, saying that it doesn't really matter who he recruits in the January transfer window, so doomed are Sunderland to the Championship next season.
What a vote of confidence that is for Darron Gibson, who is joining Moyes at Sunderland. Gibson's career at Everton has stalled badly, and is now joining his old manager Moyes at the Stadium of Light. It is a double transfer, with Bryan Oviedo making the move, too.
Two departures likely from Everton today, Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson bound for Sunderland. Will undergo medicals later.
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) January 30, 2017
In the absence of seemingly fighting for anything, and to seek refuge from the grim realities of the present, Moyes is evidently doing his best to remind himself of happier times by surrounding himself with emblems from his time at Everton.
Moyes is getting most of the old band back together, and Oviedo and Gibson will join a club that currently employs Victor Anichebe, Steven Pienaar, Jack Rodwell, and Joleon Lescott.
Gibson made just one appearance under Ronald Koeman this season, and that was in a 4-0 stroll against Yeovil town in the EFL Cup. Attention will now turn to another Irish midfielder at Everton: James McCarthy has struggled to nail down a starting place with the Toffees this season, and the club appear happy to allow him to leave if they receive a suitable offer.
Gibson's move and McCarthy's struggles are the latest disappointment for Irish internationals at Everton. We recall photo shoots with four Irishmen draped in a tricolour at Goodison in the days if Roberto Martinez. Only Seamus Coleman has succeded, however. McCarthy is not a regular starter, Aiden McGeady is in the Championship with Preston, and Darron Gibson may yet join him there with Sunderland.
That said, Gibson is still 29, so here's hoping his relocation north of Liverpool can kick start his career.
Update:
Sunderland have now announced the signing of Gibson on an 18-month deal, for an undisclosed fee. They made the announcement via their website.
