Despite a disappointing 16th place finish in the Championship last season, Sunderland remains apprehensive about the possibility of losing their top talents to higher-tier clubs this summer. Jack Clarke, who managed to score 15 goals for Sunderland, consistently stood out as a beacon of hope even when the team’s performance was faltering. His impressive form has attracted attention, with newly-promoted Southampton, under Russell Martin, reportedly preparing a significant bid for him.
Similarly, Anthony Patterson, Sunderland’s homegrown goalkeeper, has been a subject of transfer speculation. His performances between the posts have not gone unnoticed, drawing interest from Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite Sunderland’s struggles, Patterson, like Clarke, continued to shine and may soon secure a well-deserved move to a more prestigious team.
Patterson’s season in numbers
Sunderland, despite their struggles, would not hinder their former academy prospect from seeking new opportunities this summer. At just 24 years old, he has already made 123 first-team appearances for his boyhood club, showcasing his significant contribution and experience.
Last season, the 6-foot-2 goalkeeper missed only one game, demonstrating his reliability and endurance. He managed to secure a commendable 13 clean sheets, even though the team managed to win just two of their last ten league matches.
| Patterson’s numbers – 2023/24 | |
|---|---|
| Stat | Patterson |
| Goals conceded per game | 1.2 |
| Saves per game | 2.6 |
| Goals conceded | 52 |
| Clean sheets | 13 |
| Saves made | 117 |
| Goals prevented | 4.06 |
| Stats per Sofascore | |
Throughout Sunderland’s tumultuous season, Patterson was kept constantly busy and now aspires to experience Premier League football after several years of excelling in the Championship. Previously, he came close to achieving this with Sunderland under Tony Mowbray during their play-off run. Mowbray, acknowledging Patterson’s outstanding efforts last season, praised the 24-year-old as “very talented” with an “amazing” temperament, especially highlighted by his impressive performance against Fulham in the FA Cup, where he made two instinctive saves in quick succession.
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Given the underwhelming season that has just concluded, it appears to be a natural endpoint for Patterson’s tenure with the club. The promising goalkeeper is now eager to advance to a higher level. Should Sunderland decide to sell him this off-season, they stand to make a significant profit. According to Football Transfers’ valuation, the 6-foot-2 keeper, who cost the club nothing to develop into a Premier League-ready talent, would yield substantial financial returns.