Former Mansfield Town goalkeeper Nathan Bishop is closing in on a move to Wycombe Wanderers, having been put up for sale by Sunderland, according to the latest reports.
Ian Baker, in today’s edition of The Mirror, revealed that the former Manchester United shot-stopper made the jump from Old Trafford to the Stadium of Light last summer for £250,000, a figure that was not made publicly available until now.
However, The Sun published a report on Sunday afternoon, claiming that the 22-year-old has become surplus to the requirements on Wearside after making merely two appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats, including just one in the Championship when first-choice keeper Anthony Patterson was unavailable.
Furthermore, the outlet stated that Sunderland are willing to allow Bishop to leave this summer as the board are keen to sign Perth Glory’s 17-year-old “wonderkid” goalkeeper Robert Cook. In addition, the club confirmed the arrival of Simon Moore as his three-year spell with Coventry City has now come to an end. Moore, 34, will likely be Bishop’s replacement on the bench for the Black Cats.
Nevertheless, Bishop may not be leaving on a permanent basis just yet but is closing in on a temporary exit from the Stadium of Light. The Mirror have reported that League One side Wycombe Wanderers are set to sign the ex-Southend United star, having been close to joining the Chairboys last summer, although Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag inexplicably pulled the plug on the deal and he was later sold to Sunderland in the second tier.
Bishop did not make a senior appearance for the Red Devils but was sent out on loan to Mansfield Town during the 2021/22 campaign when the club were in League Two. He made 53 appearances for the Stags under Nigel Clough, keeping 16 clean sheets.
Writer’s View
Bishop had a very solid spell at Mansfield Town and the club will now have to face off against their former goalkeeper next season. However, since he returned from his loan stint under Clough in 2022, his development has stagnated as a result of a lack of game-time in Manchester and on Wearside.
Nevertheless, this potential switch to Wycombe could help get his career back on track after years of languishing on the bench and in the reserves and perhaps Bishop can prove himself to be one of League One’s best shot-stoppers next season.
