Basswouldbewelcomed back by League Two club
Sunderland have allowed several players to leave on loan over the last two transfer windows - with mixed success when it comes to the game time they’ve received.
One player who has played regularly is goalkeeper Alex Bass, who joined League
Two side AFC Wimbledon at the start of this season. The 25-year-old has a contract at Sunderland until 2026, with a club option of an extra year.
At Wimbledon, Bass has started all 39 league games under manager Johnnie Jackson this campaign, with the Dons sitting seventh in the table. To find out more we caught up with AFC Wimbledon reporter Edmund Brack, from South London Press, to ask about Bass’ performances and situation: keep the starting spot. The most noticeable characteristic Bass has displayed at Plough Lane is his professionalism.”
“They love him. I think almost every single AFC Wimbledon fan would welcome Bass back to Plough Lane. Whether that is in League Two or League One, should they manage to claim one of the final play-off spots and reach Wembley.
“Wimbledon have kept the most clean sheets - 15 - in League Two this season and Bass’ performances have been a huge part in that. For me, he’s too good for League Two.”
“As mentioned before,
Nike Tzanev has done nothing wrong when being called upon in the EFL Trophy or the Coventry EFL Cup win. He was Johnnie Jackson’s first choice and Wimbledon’s first choice for a long time, but towards the end of last season, it became clear the Dons were set for a goalkeeper reshuffle with youngster Nathan Broome starting a handful of games as a trial.
“Although Tzanev has shown glimpses of a great shot stopper during his time in goal, Bass’ pedigree and distribution immediately made him first choice.”
“I'm sure they would love to, but it will be tough. Bass is one of - if not the - best goalkeeper in the division.”
“They got the money for Ali Al-Hamadi in the winter, but also spent fees to bring in Joe Lewis and Josh Kelly. Signing loan keepers has always gone down well at Wimbledon, with goalkeeper coach Ashley Bayes getting the best out of Aaron Ramsdale during his loan.
“With Tzanev being out of contract, I suspect they would need to bring two in. But it also all depends on what league they are plying their trade in next season.”