Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has termed the return of Wes Brown to first team action this summer as a brand new signing and considers him alongside the eleven new players brought in by manager Paolo di Canio in an amazing summer shopping spree.
The 33 year old former England international has not featured for the Black Cats since January 2012 due to a recurring knee problem and this is the first time that Johnson, who moved to the Stadium of Light in August last year and manager di Canio will get a chance to look at him. The former Manchester United player has been a regular at the club’s pre-season training camp and scored during their Asia Trophy match against Tottenham Hotspur as well.
Speaking to BBC Newcastle, the England winger stated that the club has got a world class centre back returning in the form of Wes Brown and that can mean only good news for what was seen as a leaky defense at the back. Johnson went on to add that it feels that he is the best among the new signings made by manager Paolo di Canio although he is not a new signing but according to Johnson, it definitely felt that way.
Johnson went on to state that it was clear how great a player he actually is. He added that the players have seen how composed he is and on form, he is absolutely top class and Johnson is confident if the club can keep Wes Brown they will definitely be a better team overall.
Brown was brought to the Stadium of Light from Manchester United by former manager Steve Bruce but with injury playing a major role in his progress, Brown has been limited to just 22 starts in his two seasons at the club.