Sunderland to compete with Crystal Palace and PSV for international goalkeeper
Sunderland are already set for a busy summer in preparation for their Premier League return.
The Black Cats will play in the Premier League for the first time in eight years next season after beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley (24 May).
However, if Sunderland are to survive in the division, Régis Le Bris will need to strengthen his squad.
The Mackems have already been linked with some exciting players such as AS Monaco’s Wilfried Singo, and it appears as though a goalkeeper could now be on his way to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland in the race for Mexico international Luis Malagón
As reported by Nación Fútbol (27 May), Sunderland are a potential destination for Mexican goalkeeper Malagón this summer.
The 28-year-old currently plays for Club América and made two saves in a penalty shoot-out during the 2024 Campeones Cup final to help his side lift the trophy.
| Matches Played | 19 |
| Clean Sheets | 9 |
Malagón, who has made seven appearances for Mexico since his debut in 2023, has previously reflected on his dream to compete in Europe, with Crystal Palace and PSV also credited with an interest in the shot-stopper.
Both teams look set to lose a goalkeeper this season, with Crystal Palace’s Matt Turner returning to Nottingham Forest after a loan spell at Selhurst Park, and Walter Benitez set to leave PSV as a free agent.
However, the jump to Europe has previously seemed difficult for Malagón, with his height of 180 centimetres sitting below the average for European goalkeepers.
Sunderland could benefit from signing a new goalkeeper
Sunderland achieved 17 clean sheets last season, with Patterson keeping 14 of those.
The 25-year-old’s shot-stopping ability was extremely valuable during their season in the Championship. However, Patterson’s position was previously considered under threat after disappointing mistakes.
Doubts may be emerging on whether Patterson has the experience needed for the Premier League.
While Sunderland’s Simon Moore was impressive in the four matches he played in this season’s Championship, the Black Cats’ third keeper, Blondy Nna Noukeu, failed to make any appearances.
Moore only has one year left on his contract, and as Nna Noukeu is only 23 years old, Sunderland could be looking to add a more experienced goalkeeper to their side.
Malagón could become a realistic target to bring to the Stadium of Light, with his international experiences valuable to add to Le Bris’ side.