Sunderland are reportedly set to sign goalkeeper Mika.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Sunderland have been given permission to complete a deal for Boavista goalkeeper Mika.
The Black Cats added the likes of Jason Denayer, Didier Ndong and Victor Anichebe last week, but they missed out on a deal for Portuguese shot stopper Mika.
Sunderland’s Vito Mannone celebrates
As reported by The Guardian, Sunderland had struck an agreement with Boavista to sign Mika, but a hold-up with the Portuguese club meant that the deadline passed without the transfer being finalised.
Sunderland appealed to FIFA in a bid to get the deal pushed through even though the transfer window is closed – and they appear to have been successful.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported this evening that FIFA have given Sunderland the green light to sign Mika, and he will pen a two-year deal with the Black Cats.
The 25-year-old, formerly of Benfica, has made 64 appearances for Boavista since signing in 2014, and also has more than 20 caps for Portugal at various youth levels.
Stadium of Light
With Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone out for three months with an elbow injury and Jordan Pickford lacking Premier League experience, manager David Moyes desperately needed to bring in a goalkeeper, and – a week later than hoped – Mika finally appears to be heading to the Stadium of Light.
It’s claimed that both Boavista and Sunderland appealed to get the transfer ratified, and FIFA reached a decision earlier today to sanction the move, meaning the deal is on the verge of completion.
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