Shay Given will leave Stoke City this summer when his contract expires at the end of June, and Sunderland should make a move.
Stoke City’s Shay Given
Shay Given will depart Stoke City this summer after two years with the club he joined from Aston Villa in 2015, and his old club should make a move for the Premier League legend.
The 41-year-old has found his playing time limited during his time with the Potters, with 24-year-old Jack Butland being the preferred number one for Mark Hughes’ side.
Given made his name with the Black Cats back in the 1995-96 season, playing 17 times as they won promotion to the top flight under Peter Reid.
Over 20 years later, the former Republic of Ireland international has made only six appearances for Stoke this season, and 12 in total since he joined the club two years ago.
Southampton v Stoke City – Premier League
The experienced goalkeeper has notched up 451 Premier League appearances and 134 for the Republic of Ireland national side, playing for the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Given may be approaching the end of his career at the age of 41, but his experience will be invaluable to any side and Sunderland should sign him as a replacement for Jordan Pickford.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa in action with Sunderland’s John O’Shea
The Black Cats look likely to lose their number one goalkeeper this summer following their relegation from the Premier League, with Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal among the clubs thought to be interested, reports the Metro.
The signing of Shay Given on a free transfer would look like a good deal ahead of their Championship campaign for Sunderland and such an experienced signing could go a long way in their bid for an immediate return to the top-flight.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford acknowledges fans after the game
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