Sunderland could make a January transfer decision, that may play a key role in causing Salford City’s League Two promotion bid to collapse entirely.
The Black Cats are currently flying upon their return to the Premier League, whilst Salford remain in play-off contention as we approach the festive period and thus the countdown to the January transfer window continues.
However, there is an upcoming decision in the Sunderland camp that could play a key role in Salford’s bid to reach League One.
Sunderland consider Young recall
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Sunderland will recall Salford City loanee Matty Young in January, should fellow goalkeeper Anthony Patterson depart the Premier League side.
Young is currently approaching the mid-way stage of his second consecutive loan stint with the League Two side, continuing to gain essential first-team experience as a young shot-stopper.
Meanwhile, Patterson has slipped down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light, following Sunderland’s promotion to the top flight and could find himself in the Championship on loan for the second half of the season.
If this is taken up, Young will be recalled to provide cover.
How has Young fared so far?
During his first stint at Salford, Young impressed significantly for the League Two side, managing to keep eight clean sheets in 25 appearances across all competitions but lost his place towards the end of the season.
Therefore, it was a surprise to many when Young returned to Salford during the summer, but he’s quickly regained the number one spot.
He’s made 14 appearances across all competitions so far this season, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just 17 goals.
How could this negatively impact Salford?
Unsurprisingly, the decision to recall the 18-year-old would have plenty of negative implications for Salford City and their bid for promotion.
Salford would be losing their first-choice goalkeeper and would therefore need to rely on the market for a replacement during a busy period of matches, meaning they are likely to have to rely on 39-year-old Mark Howard.
Howard has made six appearances this season, keeping two clean sheets but neither of those came in the league and relying on him to come in as a number one at short notice during a promotion bid could either work out brilliantly or crash and burn.
Similarly, it may have a negative implication on Young himself, as he’ll go from regular first-team minutes to a bench/youth role for the remainder of the campaign.