Former Sunderland midfielder Carl Winchester has joined Shrewsbury Town on a two-year deal after leaving the Stadium of Light on a free transfer last month.
The 30-year-old has returned to League One with the Shrews after spending two-and-a-half years on Wearside following his move from Forest Green Rovers in January 2021.
Winchester has become new manager Matt Taylor's first signing at the club, as he rejoins the Shrews following a successful loan spell last term.
“First of all Carl has got excellent experience, he had a move to a really big club in Sunderland and played very well there," Taylor told Shrewsbury Town's official website.
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“Shrewsbury were fortunate to get him on loan last season and he was a player that stood out for me because of his energy, his physicality and his ability.
“He is a front-footed midfield player who I believe Shrewsbury fans haven’t seen the best of yet so I’m really excited to work with him. He can run, he’s in great shape and he ticks those boxes in terms of being a good person as well as a good player.
“Technically, he is someone who always affects the game in a positive way and – in my opinion – we can get Carl making a bigger impact in the final third. I’m really pleased to get this deal done and that Carl has become my first signing.”
Shrews director of football Micky Moore added: “We are really pleased to welcome Carl Winchester back to the club and that he has become the first signing since Matt's arrival.
“He is a good player, a good person and he did really well on loan for us last season. During the interview process for the head coach, Matty highlighted how much he liked Carl and he made it clear he’d like to bring him back if possible.
“I tried to make it happen for Matt and I’m delighted to say Carl was really pleased to be offered the chance to return. I’ve always said my main objective is to sign good players.
"Yes, we will look to sign young players but if proven players like Carl Winchester become available – and they are who the head coach wants – then I have a duty to go out and try and get them. We’re really pleased to get this deal done and to be able to work with Carl over the next two years.”
