'Physically and mentally, I leave Sunderland in a good place' - Aaron Connolly makes Millwall switch

The 24-year-old Ireland striker moved to Sunderland in September on a short-term contract but departs after just 11 appearances and one goal.

Millwall have reshuffled their striking options by signing Aaron Connolly from Sunderland on a permanent deal. Pic: Jessica Hornby/PA Wire.

Aaron Connolly’s tour of the English Championship continues after he swapped promotion chasers Sunderland for Millwall.

The 24-year-old Ireland striker moved to Wearside in September on a short-term contract but departs after just 11 appearances and one goal. He was released by Hull City at the end of last season.

Black Cats boss Kristaan Speakman admitted Connolly’s status on the fringes of action at the team positioned fourth in the table influenced the parting.

A 🆕 man at The Den!#Millwall pic.twitter.com/eX33hv29IF

— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 16, 2025

In October, Connolly revealed the battles with alcohol he dealt with in the aftermath of arriving on the Premier League scene in 2019 with a brace for Brighton and Hove Albion against Tottenham.

Speakman said: “I’m really pleased for Aaron, as sometimes it’s forgotten that these players are regular people who need care and support.

“We enjoy developing players and I think we’ve played an important part in Aaron’s story, which is something our players, staff, and supporters should be very proud of.

 “Aaron leaves with our best wishes and we thank him for his contribution this season. He's in a really good place and has a desire to play more regular minutes, which is only natural considering his journey.

Connolly added: “When I spoke to Kristjaan, I just thanked him for the opportunity this Club gave me when many others wouldn’t.

“It is something I will never forget and the love I felt from the fans after my first interview until my final game is something that I will always be grateful for.

“Physically and mentally, I leave Sunderland in a good place and I owe a lot of that to the people at the club, including my team-mates and the staff.

“I’m now ready to play games regularly and I appreciate the club’s understanding in allowing me to pursue this opportunity. I wish everyone at Sunderland the best of luck for what I’m sure will be a memorable end to a great season.” 

Millwall's Director of Football, Irishman Steve Gallen, said of their latest January capture: "When Alex (Neil) and I met him, we really liked his enthusiasm for what we want to do here.

"Aaron's been a bit unlucky not to play a bit more at Sunderland this season, but that has given us an opportunity to get him in.

"Still only 24, Aaron has a lot of experience for his age. He is at his best when running at defenders and we hope he gets plenty of opportunities to do that with us."