Even though there are still a lot of games in the EFL season, transfer rumours for the summer are starting to circulate.
Wigan Athletic is one team that has had a player linked to a move away recently; Sam Tickle, the custodian for the Latics, has been linked to a possible Championship move ahead of the summer.
Sunderland linked with Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle
The England youth international, who is having a breakthrough season at the DW Stadium, is reportedly being linked to Sunderland.
The Black Cats are ‘checking in’ on Tickle, according to Alan Nixon via Patreon, in case their top goalie Anthony Patterson leaves this summer.
Before the summer, Patterson has reportedly been linked to a move away from the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland reportedly wary of bids for their top player.
According to Nixon, Sunderland might ask for £20 million for Patterson, which would enable them to sign Tickle as a “bargain replacement.”
Sunderland may face Sam Tickle competition from Birmingham City
Regretfully, though, Sunderland’s new custodian will likely be sought after by a number of Championship clubs. In light of this, the Black Cats will probably have to overcome several challenges in order to sign the gifted 21-year-old.
Birmingham City, another team in the second division, has also been connected to Tickle in the past and plans to add a custodian to their roster this summer.
Both John Ruddy, the Blues’ starting custodian, and Neil Etheridge, the club’s backup, have contracts expiring at the end of June.
Ruddy has made 39 appearances in the Championship this year, but he has given up an incredible 60 goals; in the summer of 2022, Etheridge lost his position as the team’s starting back.
Watford may also have Sam Tickle on their transfer radar
Naturally, Tickle has not been connected to any other Championship teams that will be searching for a custodian this summer.
But given how well the 21-year-old is playing, there’s a good chance these teams will eventually challenge Sunderland for his services.
When determining which teams in the second division are most likely to be searching for a new custodian come transfer deadline day, Watford is one team that immediately comes to mind.
This season, the Hornets have alternated between their top goalkeepers, with Ben Hamer and Daniel Bachmann splitting duties as the team’s top goalie in 2023–2024.
Even though Bachmann is under contract for a long time, he is a player who has frequently been linked to leaving Vicarage Road in previous seasons. Since he has been the team’s top player this season, other teams may make an offer.
While Hamer’s contract expires in the summer, teams elsewhere may consider him as a potential number one because of his strong play in goal for the Hornets.
Many potential obstacles between Sunderland and Sam Tickle
All in all, Sunderland’s pursuit of Sam Tickle this summer could clearly run afoul of teams like Watford and Birmingham City.
Tickle might be a desirable option for both the Blues and the Hornets this summer, even though the Blues have been linked and the Hornets have not.
The 21-year-old is undoubtedly a player on the rise and deserves a chance to compete in the Championship after having a breakout season.
Naturally, Wigan will benefit greatly from all of the aforementioned, which will probably raise the fee they are scheduled to receive. But it also means that Sunderland’s chances of signing Tickle are uncertain.
Additionally, it is unlikely that the Black Cats will act on their Tickle interest unless Anthony Patterson leaves, which may take some time or not at all.
To sum up, there are a lot of barriers standing in Sunderland’s way this summer if they want to sign Sam Tickle.
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