Sunderland face months to appoint Cutler as big-money pay out now on cards
Sunderland are not only hellbent on securing talented players to assist their bid to stay in the Premier League next season.
The Black Cats have already lost Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson, but have secured Enzo Le Fee permanently.
Now, attention turns to strengthening several positions, with the Wearsiders looking to bolster the spine of their team.
As well as players, Kristjaan Speakman is striving to boost his coaching staff with the appointment of former Wolves goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler.
Sunderland hit hurdle in appointing Wolves man
The Stadium of Light club have been strongly linked with a host of players, with Vladyslav Vanat a potential signing for Sunderland.
Vanat has been in prolific goalscoring form for Dynamo Kyiv, having bagged 17 league goals last season.
Considering the Wearsiders are said to want to strengthen the spine of their team, that means a new goalkeeper could also be on the agenda.
Anthony Patterson has been Sunderland’s number one for some time, but could do with some added competition.
The 25-year-old made 42 Championship appearances for Regis Le Bris’ side last season, keeping 14 clean sheets.
| Anthony Patterson’s 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Clean sheets | 14 |
| Penalties saved | 1/5 |
| Saves per game | 2.2 (69%) |
| Goals conceded | 42 |
| Goals prevented | -1.75 |
With Speakman trying to hire Cutler, the potential deal has hit a financial snag, according to Alan Nixon (22 June).
The journalist claims that Cutler is the favourite for the post, but is on extended gardening leave after being squeezed out by Wolves.
Now, Sunderland will either have to wait months or pay over the top to appoint the former goalkeeper.
Would Sam Johnstone follow Cutler to Sunderland?
While Cutler’s move to the Stadium of Light hangs in the balance, there is a possibility he could target Molineux for goalkeeping reinforcements.
Sam Johnstone would be the most likely to move to Sunderland, given that he found opportunities sparse last season.
Johnstone made just seven Premier League appearances and is number two behind Portuguese man Jose Sa.
If Speakman signed the 32-year-old, then he would provide worthy competition for Patterson, but would have to start as number two.
Of course, while Cutler remains a staff target, a potential move for Johnstone would also be on hold.
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