Sunderland shot-stopper Matty Young could depart the Championship side again this summer after finding himself in the middle of a transfer battle.Â
Young spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan with League Two play-off chasers Salford City, where he impressed significantly which has led to several sides keeping tabs on his availability heading into the summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old has previously stated that he would love to wear the number one shirt at Sunderland in the future, but could be loaned out again this summer.
Young centre of transfer attention
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Young’s former loan side Salford City are keen to bring the goalkeeper back to the club on another loan deal next season.
However, that doesn’t come without challenges, with Nixon also reporting that he has ‘bigger interest’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
Similarly, with Salford failing to confirm promotion out of League Two, it casts a shadow of doubt as to whether Sunderland themselves would want Young in the division for a second consecutive season.
How did he fare last season?
His move to Salford City last summer was his first taste of men’s senior football, though he certainly left a positive impression on the fans as well as his parent club.
Young made his debut during an EFL Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers in August and though he wasn’t made number one immediately, he continued to fight his way to the starting role for Karl Robinson’s side.
In total, Young made 25 appearances across all competitions for Salford City in his first senior loan spell. During this time he kept eight clean sheets, which all came in a run of matches in late-December/January.
However, from the end of January to mid-March, Young was dropped again to the bench in favour of experienced shot-stopper Jamie Jones – though Young did see out the season as first choice once again.
What decision should he make?
Despite impressing at Salford, his run out of the starting line-up may work in the League Two side’s favour. This shows good player-management by Karl Robinson, ensuring the youngster is worked with correctly and that could warrant a second stint.
However, when Young did feature he proved himself to be a very good goalkeeper at League Two level and that is likely the reasoning as to why he has bigger teams chasing him.
Though no further clubs have been mentioned, the 18-year-old would have likely attracted League One interest and that could prove to be difficult to turn down.
Salford also have a back-up plan according to Alan Nixon, with Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin emerging as a loan interest for the League Two side.
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