Keeper Matthews makes shock Palace move
Former Sunderland goalkeeper Remi Matthews has completed a move to Premier League side Crystal Palace.
The stopper was released by the Black Cats following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, during which he largely played second fiddle to Lee Burge.
But Matthews has now penned a two-year deal at Selhurst Park, where is set to provide cover for Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland. And the 27-year-old says the influence ofgoalkeepingcoachDeanKiely – who he previously worked withatNorwichCity–wasakey factor in getting the deal done.
"It’sbeenafrustratingsummer trying to sort something out, being out of contract,” admitted Matthews.
"Obviously, I can’t wait to get started and I look forward to starting on the grass.
"I’ve worked with him [Kiely] before at Norwich. He’s always helped me out and given me advice and he’s one of the ones that I’ll always go to for honest advice.
"I’ve got to thank Deano for getting it over the line.”
OnthesigningofMatthews, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “Remi brings plenty of Football League experience, and we are really pleased to add him to our goalkeeping ranks, where he will continue todevelopunderthetutelageof Dean Kiely, alongside Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland.”
Matthews is the latest released Sunderland player to find a new club, with Josh Scowen(Wycombe),MaxPower (Wigan Athletic) and Chris Maguire (Lincoln City) already penning contracts elsewhere.
Callum McFadzean, meanwhile, is reportedly attracting interest from the Championship.