22-year-old set for permanent Sunderland exit

Josh Hawkes has agreed to join Tranmere Rovers on a permanent transfer from Sunderland, according to Football Insider.

The 22-year-old’s deal on Wearside expires in the summer and having spent the first half of the season on loan at Prenton Park, there is a good chance that Hawkes could make his return to League One as soon as next term.

Super White Army are currently second in League Two with a six point cushion on Northampton Town in fourth place.

Hawkes featured for the Black Cats from the bench in their recent 3-1 defeat at home to Lincoln City in what appears to be his final action for Lee Johnson’s men.

The versatile midfielder made 13 league starts for Micky Mellon in the first half of the season and will certainly improve his midfield options due to the variety of roles he can cover.

Hawkes adds much needed balance to the squad in terms of his age and the trajectory of his career.

Tranmere have prioritised experience in their player recruitment lately and have one of the oldest squads in the fourth tier.

Whether or not those ageing players in the squad will be able to handle the step up in level of the third tier next season will be interesting to observe.

The Verdict

It seems unlikely that any fee will be involved in this transfer with the Black Cats actively looking for appropriate destinations for their younger players.

Hawkes’ exit would follow on from Ollie Younger‘s move to Doncaster Rovers earlier this week with the pair’s first team chances on Wearside looking bleak.

The faith that Mellon and Tranmere have in Hawkes will be demonstrated by the length of contract, suggesting which club had really initiated the deal and how heavily involved the 22-year-old is likely to be in the club’s promotion push.

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