In June 2009, Manchester United accepted a bid reported as £6 million from Hull City and on 1 July Campbell was reported to have chosen the club over Sunderland. On 11 July 2009, however, he signed a four-year contract with Sunderland after Manchester United had accepted a £3.5 million bid (potentially rising to £6 million) after successfully passing a medical earlier that same day. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 League Cup victory over Birmingham City. On 28 December 2009, Campbell partnered Darren Bent in attack against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the 2–2 draw. Campbell scored twice in the FA Cup against non-League team Barrow on 2 January 2010. On 9 March 2010, Campbell scored his first Premier League goal for Sunderland, scoring against Bolton after just 41 seconds in a 4–0 win. The striker also scored in league matches against Aston Villa, Burnley and Birmingham.