Manchester United are the latest club linked with Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, as head coach Erik Ten Hag seeks competition for current number one, Andre Onana.
According to reports from Alan Nixon, United are interested in the 24-year-old shot-stopper, who is valued at around £20 million by Sunderland. Patterson has also been attracting interest from Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Celtic, and Arsenal in recent windows, underscoring his growing reputation.
A key figure in United’s pursuit of Patterson is goalkeeping scout Tony Coton, who has been keeping a close eye on the Sunderland keeper. Coton, who spent two years in Sunderland’s recruitment team, is well aware of Patterson’s talent and has been tracking his development since leaving the Wearside club for Old Trafford. His involvement could be pivotal in any potential move, as he assesses how much Patterson has improved since breaking into Sunderland’s first team.
Despite the interest, it remains to be seen whether United will prioritise a move for Patterson in January. While his performances have been impressive, it’s unclear whether he would immediately challenge Onana for the starting spot. However, with a homegrown talent like Patterson, United would gain a promising option between the sticks for the future.
Who is Anthony Patterson?
Patterson is a highly regarded goalkeeper who has quickly become one of Sunderland’s standout players. After progressing through the club’s academy, he made his senior debut in 2021 and has since established himself as Sunderland’s first-choice keeper. In 2021/22, he enjoyed a loan spell with Notts County, but thus far, that is his only experience away from Wearside.
Patterson was promoted to Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper midway through their last season in League One, when Alex Neil brought him in to replace Ron-Thorben Hoffmann. Since then, the North Shields native has been a regular fixture in goal, starting every league game except one. That exception came in the final match of last season against Sheffield Wednesday, where backup keeper Nathan Bishop was given the opportunity to start.
Patterson, who has earned one England Under-21 cap, has been described as “brilliant” by former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top young goalkeepers in the Championship.
Known for his strong command of the box and ability to pull off crucial saves in key moments, Patterson’s development has been rapid, and he is now considered one of the top young goalkeeping prospects in the country.
Writer’s View
The potential departure of Anthony Patterson would undoubtedly be a significant blow for Sunderland. Having developed through their academy and established himself as a reliable first-choice goalkeeper, Patterson has been crucial to the club’s stability, particularly following their return to the Championship. Losing him now, especially when the team is aiming for promotion, could leave Sunderland scrambling to find a capable replacement. Patterson’s shot-stopping ability and consistency have provided a solid foundation for the Black Cats’ defence, and his exit would not only weaken their backline but also signal a major loss in their long-term squad planning.
As for which club Patterson might lean towards, several factors come into play. Manchester United’s interest could be appealing given their stature, but they’re currently struggling and there’s huge pressure for anyone moving to Old Trafford. Crystal Palace could offer a clearer path to first-team football, with Palace perhaps providing the best balance between Premier League exposure and regular starts. Liverpool, however, represents a more prestigious option, especially with the prospect of learning under Arne Slot. Celtic, a dominant force in Scotland, could tempt Patterson with guaranteed European football, but the allure of the Premier League might be difficult to resist.
Ultimately, it may come down to how much game time Patterson seeks versus the prestige of the club. Regardless of his choice, Sunderland will have a difficult task replacing such a talented young keeper.
Be the first to comment