Sunderland have officially completed the acquisition of 19-year-old goalkeeper Kelechi Chibueze from Leicester City. Chibueze will be a part of Sunderland’s under 21s squad, signing an initial contract that will last until June 2024, with the opportunity for a one-year extension.
Academy manager Robin Nicholls expressed his excitement about Chibueze’s arrival, highlighting his impressive youth career thus far. Having previously been registered with two other top-level academies and representing England at the youth level, Chibueze possesses the potential and necessary attributes to strengthen Sunderland’s goalkeeping department.
It is worth noting that Sunderland has established a reputation for nurturing talented goalkeepers who have gone on to become key figures in the first team. Local hero Jordan Pickford, who is now the England number one and a regular at Everton, is a prime example. After spending time on loan with lower league clubs, Pickford was given the opportunity to showcase his skills in the Premier League for Sunderland. Despite the team’s struggles, Pickford shone and earned himself a move to Everton, where he has excelled ever since.
Sunderland’s current goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson, is another player who emerged from their esteemed Academy of Light. Like Pickford, Patterson has already made a name for himself and earned an under 21s cap for England earlier this year.
Chibueze now has the chance to follow in the footsteps of these accomplished goalkeepers and become Sunderland’s number one in the future. The club has a clear blueprint for developing and promoting young talents, and manager Tony Mowbray is known for his emphasis on integrating young players into the first team. Sunderland’s energetic and exciting style of play, coupled with the presence of other promising young players like Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke, makes it an ideal environment for Chibueze to thrive.
Joining a club that values and prioritizes talented youngsters, Chibueze is in a great position to fulfill his potential and make a significant impact at Sunderland.
