Goalkeeper Samuel Brolin has had spells at both Manchester clubs but links with Sunderland suggest a move to the Championship could beckon.
The goalkeeping position has caused no end of headaches at Sunderland this season. While they could rely on the outstanding Jordan Pickford to bail them out in 2016/17, they have simply not had the same security this season, with neither Robbin Ruiter (above) nor Jordan Steele impressing for any prolonged period between the sticks.
There could be a new shot-stopper at the Stadium of Light in the near future, however, although it is unlikely he would arrive as the club’s new saviour.
After all, AIK Solna’s Samuel Brolin is only 17 and would be one for the future rather than a player who could immediately step into the first-team. Though this does not make any potential deal less impressive with both Manchester clubs also keeping a close eye on the teenager.
“It was a year and a half since I was at Manchester City. I’ve been there twice. Then I was at Sunderland, and then Manchester United last Easter,” Brolin told Fotbol Direkt.
“It was good fun to be over there. You could see how different the three clubs work and there are pros and cons with all three. It’s fun to compare with here at home in Sweden as well. It has been a good experience for me.”
Brolin is not the first Scandinavian-based goalkeeper that Sunderland have been looking at in recent times.
Fotboll Skanalen claimed earlier this season that Sunderland were challenging Everton for the signature of Goteborg’s rising star Pontus Dahlberg, a Sweden Under-21 international who has enjoyed a fine breakthrough season in the Allsvenskan.
It remains to be seen, however, whether Sunderland instead take a punt on Brolin. Although with both United and City showing an interest in the past, perhaps it makes sense for the Black Cats to act quickly.
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