Sunderland are closing in on their third signing of the season.
Regis Le Bris’ team is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2024/25 Championship, in which they will have to turn the tide following a disappointing prior under season where the Black Cats dipped to 16th in the league under Michael Beale and Mike Dodds.
There was a lack of leadership and direction within the dressing room, therefore Sunderland have struck a deal for Championship royalty Alan Browne, after becoming a free agent following a decade with Preston North End.
Goalkeeper Simon Moore was also brought in prior to the start of Le Bris’ reign to be utilised in a mentoring role for young shot-stopper Anthony Patterson, showing that Kristjaan Speakman has learned from mistakes and is bringing in Championship experience, whilst also providing a pathway for the development of younger players.
Sunderland are now closing in on their third signing after striking a deal for a young goalkeeper after a stint at a Championship outfit.
- READ MORE: Kristjaan Speakman outlines just how long Sunderland had been chasing new signing Alan Browne
Sunderland offer deal to former Stoke City goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu
The Black Cats have set their sights on their third summer signings, with Blondy Nna Noukeu being offered a deal following a successful trial period, per Michael Graham on X.
The young goalkeeper was called up to his national side Cameroon at just the age of 18, however was not utilised off the bench in the one game that he featured in the squad.
Nna Noukeu has had limited exposure to first-team football so far in his career, however did prosper in a 2022/23 spell at Southend in the National League, where he was given regular gametime between November and March.
He’d also had a prior stint at Crawley Town in the 2021/22 League Two campaign, in which former manager John Yems described him as a ‘very good goalkeeper’, however he was unable to get any first team experience.
Blondy Nna Noukeu, one for the future
The 22-year-old shot-stopper will be unlikely to feature for the first time in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, especially if Patterson stays at the club.
The silver lining to this signing is that this doesn’t suggest that Patterson may be on his way out, despite a reported bid from Premier League side Wolves.
First team football in general has been far and few for the former Stoke City goalkeeper, who came through the youth ranks in Belgium with Royal Excel Mouscron.
However, there’s nothing to suggest that Nna Noukeu could play a part in the future, with the youngster clearly having potential due to his national team call up.
It’s definitely a signing that will go under the radar for some time, however will have a positive knock-on effect with Sunderland being given the opportunity to send youth goalkeepers Adam Richardson and Matthew Young out for a highly beneficial loan spell.