Matija Sarkic to stay at Wolves and compete with Jose Sa, as star signs new Wolves contract
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Matija Sarkic to stay at Wolves and compete with Jose Sa, as star signs new Wolves contract

Scott Sellars has praised Wolves goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, with the star penning a new contract at Molineux.

Wolves announced last night that the 24-year-old has agreed fresh terms ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Sarkic arrived at Wolves in the summer of 2020, signing from Aston Villa.

Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

He is yet to make an appearance for the first-team, and has had loan spells with Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham City.

Last term, he was enjoyed a really productive spell at St Andrew’s.

He really became a fan favourite at the club, until he suffered a freak shoulder dislocation in a game against QPR back in January.

That ended his season, with Sarkic returning to Wolves.

In the eyes of Sellars, the 24-year-old would have become one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship if not for his setback.

He said (Wolves official): “Since he’s been with us, Matija has progressed really well, thriving in League One, and the same in the Championship, where before his injury his record was as good as any goalkeeper – if he’d have carried on in the same vein, he’d have been one of the best in the league.”

There has been some speculation recently about Sarkic’s future.

Birmingham were reported to be keen to take him back. And goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts was vocal in wanting Sarkic to play regular football. And Sarkic himself was open to returning to Birmingham.

But Sellars has confirmed Sarkic will be Jose Sa’s back-up next season.

“This season he’ll stay with the first-team and compete with Jose Sa”, he added. “He has his international football as well and he’s in a really good place to progress.”

Sarkic must work hard to push Jose Sa, as Wolves announce star has signed new contract

So Wolves have now replaced John Ruddy with Sarkic for the new season.

Last season, Sa expressed his gratitude to Ruddy for providing him with a constant push to be better.

He consistently showcased a very high level, and Wolves will hope for more of that in 2022/23.

Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

It is important that Sarkic works hard to provide that push just as Ruddy did before him.

But the Montenegro international should also be looking to displace Sa, even though he is very established right now.