Future prospect keeper Jordan Pickford has joined Preston on a season long loan deal, as the young Academy of Light product looks to gain some first team experience.
Local lad Jordan Pickford did get some first team action over Sunderland’s pre-season, but will struggle to break into the current first team. As it stands, both Costel Pantilimon and Vito Mannone will always be ahead in the pecking order of keepers at the club.
Although there was talk of Sunderland cashing in on Italian Mannone, making Pickford as Pantilimon’s understudy, selling Mannone would freeing up cash for more signings.
But it’s clear that Mannone will stay on Wearside, while Pickford having gone out on loan.
Money for the pending Conner Wickham to Crystal Palace deal should now free up funds for Sunderland to again enter the transfer market.
The loan deal with Pickford will benefit all side, newly promoted Preston will get a very talented young keeper, and Sunderland get there young player some much needed first team experience.