Sunderland loanee Jay Matete makes ‘momentum’ admission at Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland loanee Jay Matete has admitted he needs to keep building momentum during his temporary stint with Bolton Wanderers.

Matete joined the Black Cats as a promising midfielder during the League One days but has featured just eight times for the club since their promotion back to the Championship three seasons ago.

A loan spell at Plymouth would prove successful, with Matete playing a crucial role in their promotion to the second tier before another loan at Oxford would follow the season after.

Now at Bolton, Matete has spoken about life at the club and his ambitions for the future.

In an interview with Bolton News (1 November), he said: “I didn’t really play much football last year because of injuries but now I feel like I am getting into it.

“I got another 90 minutes under my belt so I am getting back to where I need to be. I don’t know the timing of when I will feel (back to my best), I am just taking it step by step and now thinking about it too much.

“I feel like I am building some good momentum. All I want to do is play football and play with a smile on my face. I just need to keep building and hopefully help the team get results.”

Is there a future at Sunderland for Jay Matete?

Matete has consistently showcased his ability as a top-level League One midfielder but has struggled to have the same impact in the Championship when provided with an opportunity at Sunderland.

Having featured just eight times for the Black Cats last season, he would be shipped out on loan once again and any future looks in doubt.

Sunderland have a plethora of talented midfielders. Dan Neil, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham make up the usual trio and with Salis Samed, Alan Browne and Milan Aleksic also to be considered, it is very difficult to imagine Matete playing for Sunderland again.

Dan Neil Sunderland
Sunderland ace Dan Neil has been outstanding [Credit: Imago]

Accroding to TransferMarkt, Matete will have one year left on his contract upon the conclusion of the current season and it is very unlikely to see that get extended.

Instead, Sunderland may look to cash in on the midfielder who at 23 years old, still has plenty of time on his side.

In other Sunderland news, Simon Moore has spoken about the atmosphere at the club following their table-topping start to the Championship season.

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