‘Sunderland to be relegated’ as catastrophic Wolves deal emerges
Regis Le Bris is on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer ahead of Sunderland’s upcoming Premier League season.
While Anthony Patterson has been the Black Cats’ number one for a number of years, the Frenchman is looking for competition for the keeper.
As a result, Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic has been heavily linked to Sunderland after he was left out of the Club World Cup squad.
However, this is not the only goalkeeper to be linked to the Stadium of Light in recent weeks.
Sunderland cannot sign Sam Johnstone
Reports emerged on Sunday that Sunderland were looking to sign Sam Johnstone on loan.
The goalkeeper joined Wolves in 2024 but has struggled to cement himself as a starter.
As a result, the England international is linked with a quick departure, with Sunderland’s goalkeeping coach, Neil Cutler, a big fan of the 32-year-old.
However, Le Bris must look at other options over signing Johnstone this summer.
The goalkeeper has been awful during his short spell at Wolves. In the seven appearances he has made, he conceded 17 goals and failed to keep a single clean sheet.
On top of this, according to Fbref (6 July), his save percentage last season was one of the worst in Europe at 61.5.
Johnstone’s PSxG – GA was also the fifth worst in the Premier League at -3.0.
| Sam Johnstone at Wolves | |
| Matches played | 7 |
| Goals conceded | 17 |
| Clean sheets | 0 |
| Save percentage | 61.5 per cent |
| PSxG – GA | -3.0 |
The goalkeeper also struggled to remain fit, as he missed seven matches throughout the 2024/25 season.
With Johnstone likely to come in as a starter, it would be foolish for Le Bris to sign a player who is so out of form.
If the manager does bring in and play the England international, it could easily end up relegating the Black Cats.
Le Bris must go all out for Petrovic
With Johnstone clearly not good enough to play for Sunderland, Le Bris must ensure that he signs Petrovic.
The Chelsea goalkeeper has the experience and the potential to be a top player at the Stadium of Light.
While the deal to sign the Serb will likely be expensive, if the 25-year-old keeps the Black Cats in the top flight, he will become invaluable.
Hopefully, Sunderland will be able to secure the signing before the start of the new Premier League season.
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