Kristjaan Speakman reacts as Sunderland sanction fourth departure of the January window
Sunderland have sold goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu
Sunderland goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu has completed a permanent exit from the club.
The goalkeeper never made a senior appearance for the Black Cats but was an important part of the club’s goalkeeping group having joined as a free agent following his departure from Stoke City. The 24-year-old has joined Ligue 2 side US Boulogne CO, where he is expected to play regular senior football.
He is the club’s fourth departure of the window: Jay Matete has joined MK Dons on a permanent deal, Joe Anderson has joined Barrow and Timothee Pembele has joined Ligue 1 side Le Havre on loan. Sunderland’s sporting director paid tribute to Noukeu’s professionalism and application behind the scenes during his time at the club.
“Blondy has been progressing well and has been a core part of our senior squad,” Speakman said.
“His role in the group has been vital, but looking forward, we need to provide him with the opportunity to take his development into professional games. This is a great opportunity for him, and we wish him well.”
Anthony Patterson’s future at the club remains uncertain and Régis Le Bris has admitted that he could leave this month, but has made clear that Sunderland must first secure a replacement. Alex Neil is interested in a reunion at Millwall as they bid to secure promotion to the top tier.
“Yes, it's an option for him this month,” Le Bris said.
“Absolutely, this is the case that he needs replacing. It's always tough when players are not playing. We have to accept that, for us and for them because you want to play and when you don't play you are frustrated, which is normal.
“After that, you have competition. For example, for those two players Dan with Granit and Patto with Robin. This is the competition and I think it's fair to say the best players are playing right now. That doesn't mean they're not good players, they are both good players but competition is competition.”
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Sunderland completed their first signing of the January transfer window on Friday, signing 20-year-old winger Jocelin Ta Bi. The winger is seen as a signing for the future and won’t be available when Sunderland face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Speakman said: “We’re delighted to reach an agreement for Jocelin to join Sunderland. A dynamic and explosive wide player who enjoys attacking duels, predominantly from the right side, he is a player with high potential, and we will integrate him patiently into our Club. We believe in the player, and we believe in our approach to developing talent, so we are looking forward to starting the journey with him, and I’m sure our supporters will also enjoy the attributes he brings to our team.”