16 mins · safc transfer latest. Costel Pantilimon provsionally agrees terms after jetting into North East: http://t.co/Irm5jfcGZV 27yr old 6'8" keeper
I have to say this concerns me. He wanted to leave City to play, and all I am thinking when I see this is that Vito could leave, which I am dead against.
Agree with this, although the source linking him to Napoli was ****e, we need to get Vito as number 1 on a long term contract!
Pantillimon is a good keeper... and tallest player in the league. he can reach balls others cant. But love Vito me, and want him as number 1. However, i think Costel will provide more of a threat to Vito than Westwood, which is a good thing for SAFC.
Costel is a very good keeper,far too good to be just a no 2 to joe hart so it makes sense for him to move on but I would've thought there were better opportunities than fighting it out with Mannone who I thought was as good as any in the league last year?
Black Cats sign Pantilimon Published: 16 June, 2014 by Sunderland AFC Goalkeeper joins club on a four-year deal. Sunderland AFC has confirmed that goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon has agreed a four-year deal with the Black Cats. The Romanian international will join the club from July 1 on a free transfer. The 27-year-old spent three seasons with Manchester City, making 29 appearances for the Barclays Premier League Champions. The 6ft 8” stopper, capped 19 times by his country, began his career in his homeland with Aerostar Bacau before moving to Politechnica Timisoara from where he joined City. SAFC sporting director Lee Congerton said: “Competition for places is healthy and brings out the best in players. We already have a great goalkeeper in Vito Manonne and another one now in Costel. “Add to this youngster Jordan Pickford, who recently signed a long-term deal and we have a very strong stable of goalkeepers, which is vitally important in the top flight.” Pantilimon also expressed his delight at completing his move to Wearside: “It is a great privilege and honour to join a club like Sunderland. They have an amazing history and tradition and of course passionate fans. “When I left Manchester City it was important that I chose a club with good ambition and a head coach who has the hunger and desire to take the team forward. “After speaking with the boss, I knew this was the right place and he was the right man. I can't wait to start.” Pantilimon becomes the club’s third summer signing after the Black Cats secured the services of Billy Jones and Jordi Gomez.
SAFC sporting director Lee Congerton said: “Competition for places is healthy and brings out the best in players. We already have a great goalkeeper in Vito Manonne and another one now in Costel. Hope it is just competition, but as Westwood learnt when he was behind Mig, you don't tend to get many games as a back up keeper
I may be reading too much into this, but he has signed on a 4 year contract while Mannone is negotiating an extension to a 2 year one, maybe Napoli first team more of an attraction. Realise Pantillimin will be well paid regardless, but contradicts his claim he wants guaranteed first team football.
I hope it's not the case but surely this must mean Vito's leaving, otherwise the move makes no sense whatsoever from Pantillimon's point of view. I suppose if City have another keeper lined up and Pantollimon would be third choice I could see why he would have to leave but I can't imagine him wanting to still be second choice anymore.
