Danny Batth leaves Sunderland to join Championship rivals Norwich City on deadline day
Sunderland defender Danny Batth has completed a deadline day move to Norwich City
Danny Batth has left Sunderland to join Championship rivals Norwich City in a deadline day deal. The 32-year-old centre-back was registered ahead of the 11pm transfer deadline, although his move was not announced until the early hours of the morning.
Batth was in the final year of his contract on Wearside and was not offered new deal, so he decided to leave and has now signed a one-year deal at Norwich with the option of a further 12 months. Blackburn Rovers were linked with him earlier in the summer but that deal did not materialise, while Cardiff City showed interest on deadline day but ultimately he has joined the Canaries.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Danny is a highly respected player and he’s been an absolute professional throughout his time at Sunderland AFC, which is exactly why we brought him to the club. He’s not featured in our team this season and it’s in his nature to want to play games regularly, and compete week-in, week-out.
“Following an open dialogue with him throughout the summer, we took the difficult decision to agree to allow him to leave the club if the right opportunity presented itself and we wish him all the best.”
Upon signing for Norwich, Batth told the Canaries’ official website: “When the opportunity came up and I heard of the interest from Norwich, it was one that I couldn’t turn down. I’m really excited about what’s coming up and the new challenge ahead.”
Batth joined Sunderland from Stoke City in January 2022 and helped the Black Cats climb out of League One that season via the play-offs. Last season he was a regular in Tony Mowbray’s side in the Championship, helping the club finish in sixth place and secure a play-off spot, and was also named the club’s Player of the Season.
He leaves Wearside having made 55 appearances in all competitions, and having scored one goal. Batth becomes the fourth player to leave Wearside on deadline day, following Ross Stewart’s £10m move to Southampton, Lynden Gooch’s switch to Stoke City, and Elliot Embleton’s season-long loan move to League One Derby County.
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