As the race for promotion from the Championship hots up, Leeds United have made a late addition to their squad, and it’s one that could make Sunderland regret one of their own decisions.
The January transfer window was relatively successful for Sunderland, with the loan signings of Enzo Le Fee and Jayden Danns, plus the permanent transfer of Wilson Isidor after a successful loan spell during the first half of the campaign.
While fans will always want more, there is hope that these deals were enough to give Regis Le Bris what he needs to get the Black Cats over the line in the promotion race.
Leeds United were surprisingly quiet in the market, but the league leaders have now signed one player. And, while he may not make an immediate impact, it could end up being a frustrating transfer for Sunderland chiefs to witness.
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Leeds United sign goalkeeper Robbie Cook
In a statement on the Leeds United website, the Championship giants confirmed the arrival of Australian goalkeeper Robbie Cook, who signs on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The announcement reads: “The highly rated and much-sought-after 18-year-old arrives in West Yorkshire after progressing through the ranks with A-League outfit Perth and will now immediately link up with the Academy at Thorp Arch.
“Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Robbie to the club and we look forward to seeing his future development.”
Just how long Cook remains in the peripheries at Leeds is up for debate. With the poor form of Illan Meslier this season, there is every chance that Daniel Farke will call upon his new signing at some point to fill in between the sticks and see if a fresh approach can change anything.
It is thought Leeds had to fight off late interest from League One leaders Birmingham City to get the Cook deal over the line. Only time will tell if he was worth the fight.
Why Sunderland won’t mind missing out on Robbie Cook
Leeds were first linked to Cook back at the end of 2024. He was previously described as a ‘wonderkid’ during his time in Australia, which led to attention from Sunderland and Manchester United.
Despite going on trial with the Wearside club, Cook was unable to secure a move to Sunderland permanently, with the Black Cats opting against offering the teenager a deal.
With Anthony Patterson the undisputed number one at Sunderland, and the experienced Simon Moore as his understudy, there was and still is very little need for another goalkeeper.
That’s especially true considering the impressive rise of youngster Matty Young, who has excelled on loan at Salford City this season. Even if Patterson were to leave the club in the near-future, it seems Young would be the one to step into his shoes (or gloves) for the foreseeable.