5 Inspired Sunderland Free Transfers (And 5 Total Disasters)

2. Cabral

Cabral is one of the biggest mysteries in recent years at Sunderland. He was signed on a free transfer by former-Director of Football Roberto De Fanti, with the Italian being billed as a master at unearthing gems. Cabral featured in the opening game of the season and put in a man of the match performance, along with Jozy Altidore who also impressed on his debut. The midfielder made one more appearance, during a cup game against the MK Dons. After that, he was never seen again and nobody has a clue why. De Fanti had previously bragged about how he'd entered lengthy negotiations with Cabral before he signed, and fought off tough competition for his signature, meaning he could well have been on a decent wage before his eventual release.