Sunderland are ready to sell goalkeeper Anthony Patterson this summer as further Premier League clubs add their name to the ever-growing list of interested parties, according to HITC.
Reports emerged on Sunday that Liverpool had identified the 23-year-old as a potential replacement for Republic of Ireland international Caoimhín Kelleher should he depart in search of first team football this summer.
Patterson emerged through the Black Cats’ academy and gained his first taste of senior football with Notts County in the first half of the 2021/22 season. He returned to the Stadium of Light in January 2022 and was thrust straight into action, helping the Wearsiders achieve promotion back to the Championship via the League One play-offs.
Having played a key role in the past two years, he put pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract in September which tied him down until 2028. As a result, the one-time England under-21 international would likely cost a hefty sum.
Despite that, it is now claimed that two more Premier League giants have joined the race for his signature, with Sunderland ready to consider offers. Both Manchester City and Arsenal are now also in the hunt, with goalkeeping changes expected at both clubs at the end of the season.
The Gunners are set to complete the permanent transfer of David Raya following his loan spell from Brentford, whilst also selling England shotstopper Aaron Ramsdale. Champions City, however, are claimed to have ‘done their homework’ on Patterson and will be looking to move current second choice Stefan Ortega at the end of the campaign.
It is also claimed that Chelsea are monitoring the situation but did bring in two goalkeepers last summer, making their pursuit a little more unlikely.
Patterson has kept eight clean sheets in 27 Championship appearances this season, playing every minute of Sunderland’s league campaign thus far. Their 2-1 defeat against Ipswich Town on Saturday saw them replaced by Coventry City in the final play-off place and they will hope to return to winning ways when they entertain fellow promotion-chasers Hull City on Friday night.
Writer’s View
Patterson is an attractive prospect to a host of Premier League club, thanks in part to his age and nationality. He is a player that is likely to emerge as one of England’s brightest goalkeepers, whilst he also would fill a space in any of the aforementioned clubs’ home-grown quotas.
These aren’t the only reasons that he is attracting interest though. The youngster is an excellent goalkeeper who has established himself at high-profile club. He may not come cheap, but he will be seen as a long-term prospect and one which will provide an excellent return for money.
Head of Writing
