Nathan Bishop completed his move from Premier League giants Manchester United to Championship outfit Sunderland on Wednesday with the Black Cats finally landing a long-time transfer target.
Speaking after Sunderland were humbled in pre-season by north east neighbours Hartlepool on Tuesday night, manager Tony Mowbray did at least give the travelling support something to smile about.
A deal to bring 23-year-old Nathan Bishop to Wearside on a permanent basis was, as far as he was concerned, pretty much done.
Mowbray’s confidence was clearly not misplaced either.
Sunderland, less than 24 hours later, confirmed Bishop’s arrival on a three-year contract, bringing and end to the young glovesman’s Manchester United career in the process.
And, for sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, Bishop’s arrival is the culmination of months of work.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Sunderland finally sign Man United’s Nathan Bishop
“Nathan’s a player we have been tracking for some time,” Speakman tells the Sunderland website. “And we’ve stayed patient to complete this transfer. He’s ambitious, positive and focused on improving and trying to earn a place in the starting XI.”
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Bishop, who was reportedly consoled by Wrexham’s Hollywood owner Ryan Reynolds after that sickening collision with Paul Mullin in pre-season, leaves United three years after joining from Southend.
The former England U20 international did not make a first-team appearance for the Red Devils, but was included in Erik ten Hag’s matchday squad for four Premier League fixtures in 2022/23.
“We want a challenging environment. And we believe Nathan can add to what we feel is a really strong group of goalkeepers,” Speakman adds.
“We thank Man Utd for their collaboration on this. It’s not always easy to align at the right moment. But we are happy Nathan is here prior to the season commencing.”
Still movement in the goalkeeping department
Fellow 23-year-old Matej Kovar could also leave Old Trafford with Aston Villa keen.
United, meanwhile, may still opt to bring in a new ‘number two’ if Dean Henderson joins Nottingham Forest; Zion Suzuki, Altay Bayindir and Feyenoord’s Eredivisie winner Justin Bijlow among the candidates.
“There was just contact (with United),” Bijlow told FR12 last month.
“Manchester United have not made an offer to Feyenoord. But what I say (is that) I don’t want to talk about it out of respect for Feyenoord.”
“I want to achieve the highest achievable in my career. When that is, we will see for ourselves. Another year at Feyenoord, that’s never bad.”