Phil Parkinson explains why Remi Matthews is a 'big signing' as goalkeeper signs one-year deal

Parkinson made a new goalkeeper one of his key priorities after Jon McLaughlin left to join Rangers earlier this summer.

The Black Cats had feared the new salary cap rules could lead them to missing out on Matthews, but the 26-year-old has signed a one-year deal.

He will challenge Lee Burge during what will be a congested fixture schedule in the season ahead.

Matthews is a player well known to Parkinson, who signed him during Bolton Wanderers’ 2018/19 Championship campaign.

He also made 38 appearances for Wanderers last season.

Parkinson said: “This is a big signing for us because we have been trying to sign a goalkeeper and that process became very complicated due to the salary cap situation.

"Remi is a player with good experience but at 26, he’s at a good age with plenty of improvement in him as well.”

Matthews, who has over 100 career appearances to date, said: “Everybody knows how big this club is and I’ve worked with the manager and the backroom staff before, so nobody had to sell it to me – it was a no-brainer.

"I’m delighted to get the deal over the line and I’m excited to get going.”

Matthews is Sunderland’s fourth summer signing after the arrival of Morgan Feeney earlier on Friday.

Parkinson is known to want three further additions, with a new striker plus cover and competition for Denver Hume high on the agenda.

Non-executive director David Jones said on Friday that the club want some ‘additional sparkle’ once key positions are filled, of which goalkeeper was one.