Out of contract ‘keeper Jon McLaughlin has been attracting plenty of interest in recent weeks – especially as he is yet to be offered new terms by his current club, Sunderland. Blackburn Rovers have been one of the sides that has been linked with the ‘keeper in recent weeks. But what would he bring to Tony Mowbray’s side?
It is very likely that current loanee Christian Walton will return to his parent club Brighton in the summer, meaning that position will have to be filled when the window opens. The Sunderland ‘keeper would certainly be a perfect replacement for Walton.
McLaughlin joined The Black Cats in 2018 and has been one of their best players this season. He has kept 11 clean sheets this season and has been the main reason Sunderland were able to clinch a playoff spot. McLaughlin has shown he is comfortable diving either side, whether that is on the ground or in the air. Another of the ‘keepers qualities his close-range reactions, on numerous occasions he has come to his defence’s rescue keeping the ball out the net. Standing at nearly two-metres in height, McLaughlin is a man mountain in goal and really doesn’t give strikers a lot to aim for when in one-on-one situations.
McLaughlin has proved he has a mistake in him though, notably this season against Gillingham in the FA Cup 1st Round. See the howler below.
YouTube: Lee Equalises to Cancel Out McGeady’s Opener! | Sunderland 1-1 Gillingham | Emirates FA Cup 19/20
Despite this being a very big mistake, McLaughlin has proved on several occasions this season that he is a very good ‘keeper. Notably against Oxford in February. In the battling winds of Storm Dennis, he kept a clean sheet to help his side to a 1-0 win.
The 32-year-old who as a ‘keeper still has plenty of years ahead is very likely to leave Sunderland when his contract expires. With Blackburn Rovers being the probable destination, this would be a very good signing. Rovers fans will know they have a very reliable player in goal.
