Leading Sunderland blog, and fellow SB Nation site, Roker Report understands that Sunderland is interested in bringing Leeds United goalkeeper Andy Lonergan to the Stadium of Light.
Fresh rumours abound that Chris Coleman may be about to bring in reinforcements to ease Sunderland’s troublesome goalkeeping issue.
— Roker Report (@RokerReport) January 22, 2018
Andy Lonergan, anyone?!
(by @MrHenchard) #SAFC #LUFC https://t.co/eHkLk0fS0s
While Lonergan started a few matches this season during the slide down the table back in October and November, but his performances in goal never really seemed to give the club any confidence, and after his disastrous performance against Brentford he was soon dropped back to the bench for the return of Felix Wiedwald.
Wiedwald has made a number of pretty good performances this season, and while he can still makes the blood pressure rise when crosses come into the box, he has done a pretty good job between the sticks. His ability to distribute the ball from the back is far and away better than what Lonergan brings to the table.
Additionally, Leeds have Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Kamil Miazek in the U23s, and while Peacock-Farrell may not be ready for the Championship, there are too many goalkeepers in the Academy and with the lack of any cup competitions coming up, Leeds may feel that Peacock-Farrell will be able to hold down the fort as the back-up keeper for the rest of the season.
Sunderland is seeking goalkeeping solutions of their own, after new manager Chris Coleman seeks new blood at the position. The Black Cats lost Jordan Pickford this past summer transfer window to Everton, as the Merseyside club paid the incredible sum of £30 million for the services of the young England keeper.
Current Sunderland assistant manager Kit Symons signed Lonergan when he was at Fulham, so there is some familiarity with Lonergan on the staff of Sunderland, and the current keepers at the Stadium of Light have failed to impress, leading many to not be surprised to see the club look for a new keeper.
If Lonergan does move on, we wish him well.