Former Manchester City youngster set to join Sunderland following successful trial at the Academy of Light.
Sunderland are closing in on a deal to sign young forward Jay Matadean, adding to the club’s junior ranks as Kristjaan Speakman and the academy staff continue to recruit.
The Echo reports that Matadean, who formerly played for Manchester City’s Under-18s, is likely to join the Black Cats on a scholarship agreement after impressing during a trial spell last season.
The highly touted attacker spent time at the Academy of Light during the end of the 2024-25 season, and Sunderland’s personnel are said to have been impressed by his attitude and technical abilities. The club is now said to be putting the final touches on an arrangement that would see the teenager join the Wearside squad full-time.
Matadean, who has come through the ranks at one of England’s most top academies, Manchester City, played in the Under-18 Premier League last season. Now, he appears to be continuing his growth in red and white, with a new opportunity to establish himself under the tutelage of Sunderland’s junior coaches.
Sunderland have already signed many youth players this summer as part of a larger rebuild, including Northern Ireland midfielder Matthew Burns and Lincoln City custodian Isaac Allan. The Black Cats are still looking to strengthen its development squads with promising players from across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond.
While the club prepares to return to the Premier League at the senior level, investment in the academy remains a critical component of the long-term strategy on Wearside. Matadean is anticipated to formally join Sunderland in the coming weeks, should no last-minute issues arise.
Matadean, who has come through the ranks at one of England’s most top academies, Manchester City, played in the Under-18 Premier League last season. Now, he appears to be continuing his growth in red and white, with a new opportunity to establish himself under the tutelage of Sunderland’s junior coaches.
Sunderland have already signed many youth players this summer as part of a larger rebuild, including Northern Ireland midfielder Matthew Burns and Lincoln City custodian Isaac Allan. The Black Cats are still looking to strengthen its development squads with promising players from across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond.
While the club prepares to return to the Premier League at the senior level, investment in the academy remains a critical component of the long-term strategy on Wearside. Matadean is anticipated to formally join Sunderland in the coming weeks, should no last-minute issues arise.
What other Sunderland transfer news is there?
According to Gianluigi Longari of SportItalia, Sunderland is one of three English clubs interested in Spanish left-back Angeliño, currently on the books at AS Roma. Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are also in the mix, but neither club is willing to exceed an offer of £10.1 million (€12 million). However, Roma is holding out for a figure closer to £17 million (€20 million), with the club under pressure to complete.
Italian source Corriere dello Sport reports Sunderland may hold a minor advantage in the fight for the 27-year-old due to their recent hire of former Roma sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, who played a crucial role in Angeliño’s move to the Italian city. Despite that link, the same source adds that the player is currently underwhelmed with propositions made by all three Premier League clubs.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland and OGC Nice are now negotiating with Marcin Bulka, a custodian for Poland. Although the 25-year-old’s contract expires in 2026, he may be sold for about £17 million (€20 million).
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