Sunderland could be about to add another exciting prospect to their academy ranks.
Sunderland’s academy have enjoyed great success over the last decade, with the likes of Dan Neil, Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson all making their mark on English football.
The U21s enjoyed a successful 2023/24 campaign in which they reached the PL2 play-off final, with a number of youngsters impressing as they look to force their way into the senior set-up.
The Black Cats could now look to further strengthen their youth ranks with the addition of goalkeeper Robert Cook.
Robert Cook joins Sunderland on trial
It was reported recently that he was set to travel to England to hold talks, while the Sunderland Echo have now claimed that he is currently on trial at the Academy of Light.
The 17-year-old is really highly-rated in Australia and has attracted the attention of a number of clubs, with Cook also scheduled to have a trial at Manchester United too.
It’s unclear how long Cook will stay on Wearside, but he is expected to go on a number of trials across the country before making a decision on his future.
The report comes as it was also claimed that Sunderland had taken another goalkeeper in Blondy Noukeu on trial, weeks after Simon Moore joined the club on a free transfer.
The Black Cats could be building a very strong goalkeeping department
It seems obvious that Sunderland are eager to snap him a third-choice goalkeeper, with Nathan Bishop and Alex Bass already leaving the club.
Moore is likely to act as Anthony Patterson’s understudy, while the likes of Adam Richardson and Matty Young could be considered for loan exits.
If Sunderland can get Cook then that will surely give them one of the most promising goalkeeper departments in the Championship, with iNews reporting that Young previously had attracted interest from Man United and Man City.
Patterson is likely to stay as Sunderland’s number one in between the sticks for as long as he stays with the club, but the likes of Young and Cook could give him a real run for his money in a few years time.