Wigan Athletic starlet signs pre-contract with Sunderland

Wigan Athletic starlet signs pre-contract with Sunderland

As Sunderland attempt to return to the play-offs next season, having seen their Championship promotion aspirations fade slowly but steadily this season, officials at the Stadium of Light have already turned their attention to the summer window.

Sunderland Transfer News

Before the Black Cats can begin their summer plans, they must first find a permanent manager once Mike Dodds‘ temporary stint ends at the conclusion of the season. There is obviously pressure to get the next choice right, having survived Michael Beale’s disastrous tenure after opting to cut ways with Tony Mowbray.

Since Mowbray’s dismissal, names like Manchester United icon and former Sunderland manager Roy Keane have been touted, however Carlton Palmer was quick to reject those rumors recently.

Steve Cooper, who has been unemployed since being fired by Nottingham Forest earlier this season, appears to be a more plausible candidate for the hot seat. Cooper, a man with much experience in Championship promotion, would be an excellent choice.

Furthermore, whoever does come in could benefit from a fresh shot-stopper to compete with or eventually replace Anthony Patterson. According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon on Patreon, as related by The 72, Sunderland are looking to buy Sam Tickle from Wigan Athletic this summer following his strong performances in League One.

The England U21 international, now 22 years old, has been one of Wigan’s few bright spots this season, with the Latics sitting in mid-table and on track to miss out on promotion, forcing them to start again next season perhaps without their number one.

Given that Tickle’s current contract does not expire until 2026, Sunderland are likely in for difficult discussions this summer, but the step up to the Championship could be one that tempts Tickle into a departure.

“Outstanding” Tickle may compete with Patterson.

Signing Tickle would give Sunderland two competent and youthful goalkeeper options, or potentially one if Patterson leaves.

Tickle has an amazing 16 clean sheets this season, giving him a little advantage over Patterson, who has only kept 10 for Sunderland this season.

Wigan manager Shaun Maloney may be reluctant to let his goalkeeper go, having praised him at the end of January. Maloney said:

“This is just my opinion, but I don’t believe there is a better goalie in our league…I don’t think there’s a better goalkeeper in the league above…he’s THAT amazing! He can improve his footwork, but shot-stopping… I haven’t seen many as brilliant as that – when he simply produces fantastic moments to win games.”

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