After announcing the arrival of Simon Adingra to add yet another impressive talent to their ranks, Sunderland have reportedly turned their attention towards an experienced goalkeeper this summer.
Adingra: Sunderland project is “really exciting”
Ask even the most optimistic Sunderland fan whether they expected the Black Cats to spend big this summer and the answer is almost certain to be a resounding no. Those at the Stadium of Light have entered the Premier League ready to lay down a statement, however, and become the first in six promoted sides to avoid the drop at the first time of asking. And the arrival of Adingra should play a large part in that.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion winger told Sunderland’s official website after sealing a move worth an initial £20.5m with add-ons: “It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started. The Club and the project are really exciting.
“I spoke with everyone and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future. Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible. It’s a big challenge ahead – we’ll be facing top players and strong opponents – but I’m ready for it.”
After losing his starting place under Fabian Hurzler at Brighton last season, some may be quick to forget just how talented Adingra is, but he’ll be keen to send some timely reminders next season.
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The Black Cats have wasted no time.
As impressive as the winger’s arrival is, though, the Black Cats are still not done in the summer transfer window. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve turned their attention towards a fresh shot-stopper.
Sunderland join race to sign £20m Ramsdale
According to GiveMeSport, Sunderland have now joined the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who has asked to leave relegated Southampton this summer. The goalkeeper reportedly has a release clause worth just £20m following the Saints’ relegation, handing those in Wearside the opportunity to swoop in should they please.
Signing an upgrade on current No.1 Anthony Patterson has been on Sunderland’s wishlist all summer. Reports even went as far as to suggest that the Black Cats were closing in on an agreement to sign Djordje Petrovic earlier this month. But with that deal yet to get over the line, the door has swung open for Ramsdale to hand Regis Le Bris a fresh alternative.
|
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) |
Ramsdale |
Petrovic |
|---|---|---|
|
Starts |
30 |
31 |
|
Clean Sheets |
3 |
10 |
|
Saves P90 |
4 |
3.55 |
|
Save Percentage |
67.6% |
78.9% |
It’s a difficult choice for Sunderland. Whilst Petrovic enjoyed an excellent campaign on loan at Strasbourg, who finished as high as eighth in Ligue 1, Ramsdale was often doing his best to help Southampton avoid major humiliation. And the numbers reflect that in many ways.
Rightly praised as “excellent” by Joe Hart at St Mary’s last season, Ramsdale could finally end his trend of frustrating relegations by swapping Southampton for Sunderland this summer.
