“Done Deal; Sunderland transfer blow confirmed as £12.7m deal and four-year contract is completed”

Sunderland Miss Out on Marcin Bulka as Goalkeeper Joins Saudi Side SC Neom

Sunderland have missed out on the signing of Poland international Marcin Bulka, with the 25-year-old goalkeeper completing a move to Saudi Arabian club SC Neom in a deal valued at approximately £12.7 million.

Bulka had been a key target for the Black Cats in recent weeks, with negotiations advancing between Sunderland and the player’s representatives as the newly promoted Premier League side looked to strengthen their goalkeeping options. However, the 6ft 6in shot-stopper ultimately chose a lucrative four-year deal in Saudi Arabia over a switch to Wearside.

The former OGC Nice and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper made 89 appearances for the French outfit after initially arriving on loan from PSG in 2021, before signing permanently a year later. He emerged as Nice’s first-choice keeper during 2023 under head coach Francesco Farioli. But with only a year left on his contract and no progress in renewal talks for over nine months, the Ligue 1 side opted to sell.

Sunderland had viewed Bulka as a marquee addition, capable of raising the level of competition for current No.1 Anthony Patterson.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head coach Régis Le Bris had been targeting experienced players with top-flight pedigree, and Bulka – who featured in the Champions League with PSG – fit that profile perfectly. Unfortunately for Sunderland, they were unable to match the financial incentives offered by the Saudi Pro League.

SC Neom, newly promoted to the Saudi top division, continue to make waves in the market. Bulka joins a growing list of high-profile arrivals that includes Alexandre Lacazette, Amadou Koné, and Saïd Benrahma. The club are expected to continue investing heavily as they prepare for their top-flight debut.

As for Sunderland, their pursuit of a high-level goalkeeper continues. While Patterson remains the first-choice option heading into pre-season, both Le Bris and Speakman are determined to add competition and depth in the position.

The club has been linked with moves for Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone. According to journalist Alan Nixon, Sunderland are seriously considering Johnstone, with new goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler reportedly influential in the potential transfer.

Cutler previously worked with the 31-year-old England international at both Aston Villa and Wolves and is said to be keen on reuniting with him for a third time on Wearside. He recently joined Le Bris’ coaching staff following the departure of Tom Weal earlier this summer.