This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sunderland are potentially considering a move for former Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles, it has emerged.

That's according to journalist Jose Alvarez, via SportWitness, who reports that Sunderland are one of three clubs to have shown 'the most interest' in the 32-year-old this summer.

Norwich City and Club Brugge are also said to be interested.

Robles is currently a free agent having been released by Spanish side Real Betis at the end of his previous deal.

With the above in mind, we asked some of our writers here at FLW for their thoughts on the Spaniard being linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.

Adam Jones

Following the arrival of Alex Bass, it does feel as though they need to target other areas at this stage.

And if Alex Neil wants to give Anthony Patterson a chance to prove himself as a first-choice shot-stopper in the Championship, then it may not be a good idea to sign Robles.

As someone who has Premier League experience under his belt, the 32-year-old would want to be playing most weeks in the second tier and that risks either upsetting Robles or Patterson depending on which stopper Neil decides to start with.

Following his time at Real Betis, his wage demands aren't likely to be modest either so it would be difficult to see a deal materialising.

The emergency loan market may be the best option for the Black Cats at this stage if one of Patterson or Bass become unavailable, though you certainly wouldn't say no to another stopper if one was available.

That would enable Jacob Carney to get more game time on loan - but Robles' wage demands and how often he wants to play will determine whether this would be a good deal or not.

He certainly has an impressive CV and at 32, he could definitely stay at the Stadium of Light for one or two seasons.

 

 

Declan Harte

Robles has been a trusted first choice keeper in La Liga in the recent seasons with Real Betis.

He was never quite convincing of being a top level goalkeeper at Everton, and he has ultimately been replaced since the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini in Spain.

But taking the step down to the Championship could be a chance to prove he still has the ability to compete to a decent standard.

Signing a solid choice between the sticks will be key for Sunderland as it has been a tricky position for the team in the last few years.

At 32-years-old, Robles should still have a couple good years left in the tank and the Black Cats could be just the place for him to become a valued squad member again.

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

This is certainly an interesting link given the club have recently acquired Alex Bass, and already have Anthony Patterson on the books.

However, a third goalkeeper - and not necessarily one that will be third choice - is still required.

Although he has been a deputy for the vast majority of his career, you do have to think, having played over 50 times in the Premier League, and over 70 times in La Liga, that Joel Robles would be an upgrade on the club's current options.

That's no disrespect whatsoever to Anthony Patterson, who did brilliantly after coming into the side at the turn of the year.

Robles is a more seasoned option, though, and if Alex Neil wants a more experienced option in-between the sticks this season, Robles would be a good option.