Not because they want to sign him - but because they DIDN'T! The Brazil international, known as Jonas, was offered to the Black Cats after the summer transfer window came to a close. Jonas, 30 was a free agent after being released by Spanish club Valencia when his contract ran out. He was also linked with a switch to Tottenham after scoring 36 goals in 112 La Liga appearances. And thanks to that scoring record, his representatives thought a move to the Stadium of Light was a strong possibility - and they were right. But it wasn't to Wearside, but the original Stadium of Light - or the Estadio da Luz, as it is known - in Lisbon. Actually, it is the second stadium in Portugal's capital to have had that name, as Benfica moved to a new home in 2003, which hosted last season's Champions League Final. Jonas landed a two-year deal with one of Europe's most famous clubs, who have two European Cup triumphs - and five second places - to their name. And Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is certain to keep an eye on how Jonas performs for Benfica, possibly seeking confirmation he was right not to take the player on a free. Poyet took into account Jonas' age and the fact he has three players in contention for that role. Connor Wickham, Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore are all battling it out to be the starter for Poyet up front. Jonas, meanwhile, has joined a club who can offer him the chance to play in the Champions League - and the Black Cats are a long way from that. The striker, whose former clubs in his home country include Santos and Gremio, has played eight times for Brazil, scoring twice.
We had to see how Whicks and Fletcher or Jozy would do this term, perhaps if Graham had been moved on he might have been worth a shot, as replacement for Scocco, but it seems like wrong place wrong time for Jonas. I would prefer us instead to find a younger player, or develop someone from the u21's to be honest, but to do this we need to be a settled mid table outfit which we are working towards. I think we have spent to much in the past on has been's or never will be's to be honest.
