Norfolk-born goalkeeper Remi Matthews said it was a “no-brainer” to sign for Sunderland.

The Norwich City academy product had been back home working on his fitness after the expiration of his contract with crisis club Bolton, who dropped straight through League One to suffer another relegation as they try to fix their financial problems.

Matthews didn’t get to make a senior appearance for Norwich and made his deal at Bolton permanent in January 2019 after having spent time on loan at Burton, Hamilton and Plymouth.

The 26-year-old, who was training with Ipswich recently, now joins former Premier League side Sunderland during their third consecutive season in League One - where he will work with his former Bolton boss Phil Parkinson.

“Everybody knows how big this club is and I’ve worked with the manager and the backroom staff before, so nobody had to sell it to me – it was a no-brainer,” the keeper told Sunderland’s website.


“I’m delighted to get the deal over the line and I’m excited to get going.”

Black Cats boss Parkinson added: “This is a big signing for us because we have been trying to sign a goalkeeper and that process became very complicated due to the salary cap situation.

“Remi is a player with good experience but at 26, he’s at a good age with plenty of improvement in him as well.”