The knock-on transfer impact of Sunderland goalkeeper exit as Cats eye ex-Cardiff City man
The goalkeeping situation at the club provides an interesting sub-plot to the club’s well-documented head coach search with Sunderland boasting several exciting young prospects.
Sunderland have confirmed the permanent exit of goalkeeper Alex Bass. After a successful season on loan at AFC Wimbledon in League Two last season, Bass now joined Notts County for an undisclosed fee.
Bass joined Sunderland from Portsmouth after the club’s promotion from League One but was unable to force his way past Anthony Patterson in the pecking order.
Here, we take a look at the goalkeeping situation at the club ahead of the summer transfer window:
Anthony Patterson and the first-team picture
Patterson will be the subject of transfer interest during the upcoming window. Sheffield United are said to be very keen as they embark on the Championship rebuild under Chris Wilder There’s also been some historic interest from Leicester City and Wolves and links to Celtic, Liverpool and Arsenal. Sunderland are thought to value Patterson between £10million and £20million.
If Patterson stays (which does look likely as it stands, though the caveat is that the transfer window is not yet open and has a long time to run when it does) that means Sunderland’s number two would feature heavily for the under-21s to keep Patterson’s back-up match fit in the event of injury or loss of form.
At the moment, Sunderland’s first-team number two will be Nathan Bishop after Bass’ departure, though Bishop’s departure can’t be ruled out either with the Black Cats reportedly in talks with experienced shot-stopper Simon Moore. Sunderland also have to the option to promote from within.
Bass deputised during Sunderland’s first season back in the Championship before heading out on loan to AFC Wimbledon before Bishop took the role just this campaign after arriving from Manchester United. However, when your first-team number-two goalkeeper drops into the under-21s, it does block a young player’s pathway.
