SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu.

The shot-stopper has agreed a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light following his departure from Stoke City, with the Black Cats having the option of an additional year.

Noukeu has been training with Regis Le Bris’ squad throughout pre-season and joined the Black Cats on their trip of Spain.

Blondy said: “I’m delighted to sign for Sunderland. I have been on trial at the club for several weeks and it is great to train and get to know everyone.

"This is the right place for me to be if I want to take my career to the next level. We have a really good group of players and staff so I am looking forward to kicking on.

"Working closely with Anthony Patterson and Simon Moore has been great. They bring a good atmosphere to the place because they give everything and demand a lot, so that’s really helped me settle.”

Born in Douala in Cameroon, the 22-year-old grew up in Belgium and started his career with Royal Excel Mouscron, following in the footsteps of his father who also represented the Mouscron-based club.

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He joined Stoke in 2019 and became a regular for the Potters’ development side, making a total of 36 appearances. His time with Stoke also included loan spells at Crawley Town and Southend United.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We’ve been impressed with Blondy throughout the pre-season and we are pleased to officially welcome him to the club.

"He’s not only at the level required to work in our group, but we also feel he has the potential to develop further. Blondy’s settled in well and he’s motivated to improve, which is a great asset for him as a player and for our squad.”

Meanwhile, Oliver Bainbridge has left Sunderland to join Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock on a season-long loan.

Bainbridge signed his first pro contract with the Black Cats in the summer of 2023 and went on to be ever-present in Graeme Murty's Premier League 2 side.

The full-back's consistent performances merited a call-up to the first-team matchday squad for the Championship fixture against Southampton in March.

The academy graduate now links up with Derek McInnes' Kilmarnock side ahead of their SPL opener against Celtic on Sunday. 

Murty said: "This is a great experience for Ollie and we want to thank Kilmarnock for recognising his progress, especially during the success of last season.

"We hope he goes up there and maximises the opportunity in which is a great move for his career path."