Former Reading goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi could be heading back to the Championship with Nottingham Forest and Sunderland preparing loan bids.
Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have conceded far more goals than they would have liked to in the first half of the Championship season. That is a major reason why the Black Cats are bottom of the league table, while Forest are on the lookout for a new manager, having lost 14 games already.
And, in Sunderland’s case, the problem can be traced back to a failure to adequately replace Jordan Pickford in the summer. Robbin Ruiter and Jason Steele have shared goalkeeping duties in recent months but neither has really impressed consistently.
In contrast, academy graduate Jordan Smith continues to enhance his reputation between the sticks at Forest, even being named in the EFL Team of the Week for a superb performance in the goalless draw with Leeds United on New Years’ Day.
But at just 23, and with a lack of quality back-up at the City Ground, it is no secret that Forest are in the market for a new number one. And according to The Daily Mail, they might have found him.
Ali Al-Habsi left Reading just eight months ago after they lost to Huddersfield Town in the play-off final, moving to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia to the tune of £90,000 a week. The 36-year-old has struggled for game time, however, and could be allowed to leave on loan with both Nottingham Forest and Sunderland interested.
But could Al-Habsi be an immediate, if short-term, solution for two of the league’s leakiest sides? If he can find his form from last season, why not?
The former Bolton and Wigan shot-stopper was superb for Reading in 2016/17, winning their Player of the Season award and being included in the EFL Team of the Season. He is experienced and blessed with superb reflexes, suggesting he would be an immediate improvement on the options currently available to Sunderland or Forest.
Not bad for a freebie.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
