"We've signed who!?" is a question Sunderland fans are more than used to asking over the years. It's not an exclamation often attached to obscure foreign imports; such signings are usually treated with a dangerous dose of optimism. More often than not, it's a statement of disbelief, usually followed by a futile plea for reason. Many surprising, hopeful, and downright strange signings have been made on Wearside. Some defied the odds and proved themselves to the skeptical red and white faithful, but most sadly confirmed everybody's suspicions. The reasons a transfer may be considered odd are numerous; some purchases have been well past their sell-by date, others simply of a far lower standard than necessary. Some even used to play for Newcastle United. Whatever the reason, Sunderland fans can always rest assured that almost every summer transfer window will bring with it an unexpected signing - usually with horrifying implications for the season ahead. Usually Wearsiders are able to look back upon such ventures with a degree of humour, but it doesn't make the sheer sense of confusion and frustration any easier to bear the next time around. Here are the ten strangest signings in Sunderland AFC history, from a pacy striker (with no pace to speak of) to an infamous case of mistaken identity.
