AliousSunderland face a key decision regarding young goalkeeper Matty Young’s future as the January transfer window approaches, with a recall clause in his loan deal at Salford City offering flexibility for the club. Young, who has struggled for league minutes at the League Two side, could return to the Academy of Light if Salford fail to provide him with more game time. Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman retains the option to activate the clause, though no final decision has been made yet.
The situation remains fluid, particularly after Young’s standout performance in the FA Cup last weekend. His heroics in Salford’s victory not only secured them a high-profile third-round clash against Premier League champions Manchester City but also sparked discussions about whether he could replace current first-choice goalkeeper Alex Cairns in league matches. With Salford City set to face Harrogate Town in League Two on Tuesday night, all eyes will be on whether Young is given a chance to stake his claim for more regular appearances.
Should Salford fail to integrate Young into their league setup, it’s expected that Sunderland will recall the 17-year-old in January. This would allow him to return to Wearside before potentially securing another loan move to continue his development. Sunderland see Young as a long-term first-team prospect and recently underlined their commitment to his future by extending his contract until 2028.
Speakman spoke highly of Young’s progress when the new deal was announced, highlighting his potential. “We’re pleased with Matty’s progress at present and thrilled that he has extended his contract through to 2028. His recent England Under-20 debut at 17 years of age provides a nice reference point of where he is currently, and through continued hard work and dedication, he can go on to achieve much more.”
Young himself expressed his delight at the extension and his hopes for the future. “Signing this deal until 2028 means so much to me because I love this club. I have been here for more than a decade and I am delighted to extend my stay. Last year, I had my first experience of travelling and training with the first team, which was a huge milestone. Since then, I’ve gained valuable experience on loan at Darlington and now at Salford City. My focus is on continuing to work hard, and I hope that one day I’ll get my chance to play for Sunderland.”
Salford City, currently 15th in the League Two standings with 21 points from 16 games, face a challenging schedule, and their handling of Young in the coming weeks could significantly influence Sunderland’s decision. With the January window fast approaching, the club will weigh their options carefully to ensure the young keeper’s promising trajectory remains on track.
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