Sunderland ‘have route to sign Djordje Petrovic’ after Chelsea transfer developments
Sunderland are in pursuit of a new goalkeeper to challenge Anthony Patterson in the Premier League next season.
Patterson has been Regis Le Bris’ number one, but the Black Cats want to add further quality to aid their survival bid at the Stadium of Light.
Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic has been linked with a move to Sunderland, as well as several other players.
Now, there have been developments on Petrovic’s future, which will prick the ears of the Wearside faithful.
Chelsea receive offer for Petrovic
Marcin Bulka was an early target for Sunderland, but the Polish international chose money as he signed for Saudi Arabian side Neom SC.
The North East club have since had to move on to other targets in a pursuit which is proving difficult, despite quick moves elsewhere.
Reports emerged that Sunderland could seal a £21.5million deal with Chelsea for Petrovic, but news has since gone quiet.
The 25-year-old spent last season on loan with French outfit RC Strasbourg, where he made 31 league starts.
| Djordje Petrovic’s 2024/25 Ligue 1 statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Clean sheets | 10 |
| Goals conceded per game | 1.2 |
| Penalties saved | 1/8 |
| Saves per game | 3.6 (74%) |
| Goals prevented | 7.91 |
Now, Galatasaray have offered the Blues £4.3million to loan Petrovic for the season, according to Süleyman Rodop (6 July).
Furthermore, the Turkish journalist reports that Gala included a £12.9million offer for the end of the season to be paid in three instalments.
Chelsea demanded £21.5million, with an annual fee of up to £6million, with no response given yet.
With Galatasaray only offering a loan, the door is now wide open for Sunderland to trump their bid.
Of course, the Black Cats could offer a loan of their own, but if they match Chelsea’s demands, then they would surely have their man.
Sunderland could return for Petrovic, but move on to new target
The Black Cats have not been afraid to spend substantially this summer and have already broken their club-record signing twice.
However, it is unknown how much the North East club would be willing to spend on a new goalkeeper.
Reports have emerged that Sunderland have moved on to Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who could follow Neil Cutler to the Stadium of Light.
Johnstone has struggled to nail down a long-term home, having come through Manchester United’s youth system.
The 32-year-old spent two seasons at Crystal Palace, but could not nail down a first-team spot before moving to Wolves.
At Molineux, the Englishman has had his chances, but remains behind Jose Sa in a fight for the number one jersey.
Sunderland must now decide whether to spend big on Petrovic or save some funds by signing Johnstone, with the door possibly wide open for both.
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