Sunderland hit snag in bid to tie up target amid compensation claim.

Sunderland is aiming to make big additions to their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Sunderland have faced a big stumbling block in their reported bid to hire Neil Cutler as their next goalkeeping coach.

Cutler, who was previously on the coaching staff at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is now on prolonged gardening leave following his departure from Molineux, which may hinder any immediate appointment.

According to The Sun, Sunderland would have to either wait out his contractual leave term or give a substantial compensation package to bring him in immediately. The move comes as Sunderland confirmed the departure of first-team goalkeeping coach Tom Weal, who has joined League Two club Milton Keynes Dons in a new role.

Weal joined the Black Cats in February from Carlisle United, filling the hole caused by Mike Dodds’ departure to Wycombe Wanderers. Despite his brief tenure on Wearside, Weal developed a solid bond with head coach Régis Le Bris and rapidly established himself as a trusted member of the backroom squad.

Working closely with Anthony Patterson and the club’s senior keepers, Weal contributed to Sunderland’s strong defensive conclusion to the 2024/25 season, allowing them to win a dramatic promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

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