Alex Bass has joined Notts County for an undisclosed fee as Sunderland near a deal for goalkeeper Simon Moore on a free transfer. 

Bass moves to League Two on a permanent basis after spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan at AFC Wimbledon where he made 48 appearances in total. The 26-year-old arrived on Wearside from Portsmouth in 2022 following the club's promotion back to the Championship but was limited to just two senior appearances having spent the majority of his time supporting current No.1 goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

Bass hit the headlines in October 2022 when featuring for the under-21s in the Tyne-Wear derby at St. James' Park after scoring Sunderland's equalising goal deep into stoppage time in one of two appearances for the club's academy side. The goal caused controversy with Bass later admitting he handled the ball when scoring in a moment which was later dubbed as 'The hand of cod' by supporters. 

Having spent last season on loan, Bass is keen to continue playing regular football in the 2024-25 campaign - something he is not assured of at the Stadium of Light with Patterson still considered the club's No.1 despite interest from the Premier League. 

Sunderland are understood to be close to agreeing terms with former Sheffield United goalkeeper Moore, with the 34-year-old set to become a free agent when his Coventry City contract expires at the end of the month. Moore's potential arrival, along with Nathan Bishop, would provide further experience in Sunderland's goalkeeping department as well as additional competition for Patterson next season. 

 

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Sunderland also have talented goalkeeping duo Adam Richardson and Matt Young within their academy ranks, both of whom are held in high regard at the Academy of Light - Richardson part of Graeme Murty's under-21s side who reached the Premier League 2 play-off final and Young who was named Darlington's young player of the year following an impressive loan spell in National League North.

Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman commented on Bass' exit: “Alex had a successful loan last season and he is eager to continue playing regular football moving forward.

"After discussing multiple options heading into the summer - considering Alex’s future and the continued development of our younger goalkeepers - we agreed this move was the best outcome for all parties. All at SAFC wish Alex the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”