Sunderland had a busy summer transfer window, but one player didn’t make the cut, and he’s now on his way to Leeds United.
Regis Le Bris made a number of signings in the summer to shape the Sunderland squad in his image, but for every player signed, another gets away.
Thankfully, things have worked out well for the Black Cats so far this season, and Le Bris is potentially on track to steer Sunderland right to the Premier League if they continue on their current trajectory.
But, they may be left to rue one player they let slip through their fingers in the summer, as one of their main Championship rivals are now stealing in to sign him.
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Leeds will sign Robert Cook, Sunderland opted against goalkeeper
According to a report from The Sun, Leeds are “set to sign” 17-year-old goalkeeper Robert Cook from Australian side Perth Glory.
The teenager is highly-rated in his native Australia, but has not yet made the step up to the senior side with his boyhood club.
The nature of the transfer deal for Leeds is not known at this stage, but Cook was previously described as a ‘wonderkid‘ and has plenty of potential.
Sunderland had given Cook a trial over the summer, but a permanent move never came to fruition. The Black Cats opted to sign the more experienced Simon Moore, instead.
Sunderland have great options between the sticks for years to come
As things stand, the idea of Sunderland adding a new goalkeeper to their ranks doesn’t necessarily seem to be a priority.
With academy graduate Anthony Patterson the clear number one at the club, Sunderland should be sorted between the sticks for the foreseeable future.
However, both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Patterson, and just how long the Black Cats can keep hold of the stopper remains to be seen.
Still, the Sunderland academy has also produced another top goalkeeper in Matty Young, who is currently flourishing on loan at Salford City.