Sunderland are closing in on a new long-term deal for highly-rated goalkeeper Matty Young

Matty Young is closing in on a new long-term contract at Sunderland, The Echo understands.

The highly-rated goalkeeper is seen as a potential future number one at the Stadium of Light, and talks over fresh terms are now at an advanced stage. Most of the key details are understood to have been verbally agreed between the two parties, with the finishing touches being put to a deal that would run for four years, with the option of a further 12 months.

The agreement is not yet fully complete and, as ever with contracts, nothing is done until it is formally signed. However, the situation is understood to be very promising, and Sunderland are moving to secure the future of one of their most highly-rated academy products under sporting director Florent Ghisolfi.

Young, 19, has been with Sunderland since the age of seven and signed his first professional deal in November 2023. The goalkeeper has since built a strong reputation through senior loan spells, first with Darlington and then across two seasons with Salford City.

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He impressed during his time at Darlington in National League North and was named the club’s young player of the season. Young then joined Salford in the summer of 2024, returned for another loan spell in 2025 and has now made 75 league appearances for the League Two club across two seasons, with 89 senior appearances in all competitions across his career so far.

That level of senior experience at such a young age is understood to have strengthened Sunderland’s belief that Young has a significant long-term future at the club. He has also represented England across several age groups, including under-19, under-20 and under-21 level.

Young is not expected to return to Salford for a third loan spell next season. The view is that a new environment is now needed for the next stage of his development, with a bigger club, bigger fanbase and bigger stadium viewed as the logical next step. Plymouth Argyle are understood to be keen, though Young’s next move is likely to be carefully considered as Sunderland look to ensure he continues playing regularly at a level that stretches him.

Cardiff City and MK Dons have also been linked to the young shot-stopper, who has been likened to England number one and fellow Academy of Light graduate Jordan Pickford. Sunderland’s current goalkeeping picture is already a key summer talking point. Robin Roefs has established himself as number one, while Anthony Patterson is facing a major decision over his future amid interest from several clubs. Melker Ellborg is also part of the senior group.

Young’s expected new deal, however, underlines Sunderland’s long-term thinking. While his immediate future is likely to involve another loan move, the club clearly see him as a goalkeeper with the potential to become an important first-team figure in the years ahead.

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