Sunderland transfer situation set for resolution with all eyes on EFL game this week ahead of major decision
The transfer situation looks set to be resolved soon with all eyes on one EFL game on Tuesday evening
Sunderland will decide on the transfer future of goalkeeper Matty Young in the next fortnight.
The 18-year-old England youth international stopper was sent on loan to Salford City during the summer window but has yet to feature in the league since making the move with Jamie Jones, 35, preferred by manager Karl Robinson.
Young, however, has impressed in cup competitions recently, saving two penalties in the Papa John’s Trophy against Wolves before starring in the FA Cup last weekend. The shot-stopper won the Man of the Match award after saving another penalty and keeping a clean sheet against Cheltenham Town to ensure Salford City reached the FA Cup third-round for the first time in their history.
Sunderland have been considering what to do with Young in January given his lack of league minutes. The deal to take the keeper to Salford has a recall clause this winter which Kristjaan Speakman can trigger should he choose to do so. At the moment, the situation is open and a decision has not yet been made.
Should the League Two club fail to play Young in the league this month, then The Echo understands that the youngster’s recall to the Academy of Light ahead of another loan mover after that is likely. However, there are murmurings that Young could unseat first-choice Jones after his cup heroics last weekend. All eyes will therefore be on Salford City’s game against Harrogate Town in League Two on Tuesday night.
Young’s FA Cup performance helped earn Salford City a lucrative tie against Premier League champions Manchester City in the third-round proper. The Gary Neville-owned club are currently 15th in the league with 21 points from 16 games so far this season.
Sunderland recently confirmed that Young has put pen to paper on a new deal on Wearside that is set to run until 2028 with the goalkeeper seen as a an eventual long-term first-team option.
Speaking after the announcement of Young’s new deal, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We’re pleased with Matty’s progress at present and thrilled that he has extended his contract through to 2028. His recent England Under-20 debut at 17 years of age provides a nice reference point of where he is currently and through continued hard work and dedication, he can go on to achieve much more.”
The player himself added: “Signing this deal until 2028 means so much to me because I love this club. I have been here for more than a decade and I am delighted to extend my stay. Last year, I had my first experience of travelling and training with the first team, which was a huge milestone. Since then, I’ve gained valuable experience on loan at Darlington and now at Salford City. My focus is on continuing to work hard, and I hope that one day I’ll get my chance to play for Sunderland."