Sunderland confirm Anthony Patterson’s loan as Kristjaan Speakman details goalkeeper plans for the season
Sunderland have confirmed that Anthony Patterson has joined Millwall on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper will spend the rest of the campaign in south-east London, where he reunites with former Sunderland head coach Alex Neil. The move brings to a close a significant chapter on Wearside for Patterson, who has been a central figure in the club’s recent rise through the divisions.
Patterson departs having made 169 appearances for Sunderland, playing an integral role in the Black Cats’ journey from League One to the Premier League. During that period, he was part of the side that lifted two play-off final trophies at Wembley Stadium, establishing himself as one of the most important players of the modern era at the club.
Millwall currently sit fifth in the Championship standings and are firmly in the promotion picture, offering Patterson the opportunity to secure regular first-team football for the closing months of the season. Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said the loan move was designed to ensure Patterson continues to play consistently at a key stage of his career.
“Anthony has been a standout performer for us in recent seasons, and it’s important for him to maintain regular playing time at this stage in his career,” Speakman said. “Although Robin’s quick transition and impressive performances have reduced his opportunities, he’s continued to train at a high level, and this loan provides the necessary platform for him to continue developing his game.”
Patterson’s departure follows Sunderland’s recent recruitment in the goalkeeping department, with the club keen to balance long-term planning with opportunities for established players to play regularly. For Patterson, the move to Millwall represents a chance to add further Championship experience while remaining firmly on Sunderland’s radar. The Black Cats have wished Patterson well for the remainder of the season as he embarks on the next phase of his career away from the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have also completed the signing of 22-year-old goalkeeper Melker Ellborg, subject to international clearance. Ellborg arrives from Malmö FF for an undisclosed fee believed to be around the £3millon mark and has signed a long-term contract at the Stadium of Light running until the summer of 2030. The move strengthens Sunderland’s goalkeeping department and will allow Anthony Patterson to complete a loan move to Millwall ahead of the deadline.
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Ellborg enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 campaign in Sweden, registering five clean sheets in seven league appearances and gaining European experience with Malmö in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. He began his career with IFK Berga, initially training with the senior squad at the age of 12, before making his first-team debut a year later in a friendly.
After joining Malmö ahead of the 2021 season, Ellborg spent two years in the club’s academy before stepping up to the senior squad, with subsequent loan spells at IFK Malmö, Ariana FC and Trelleborgs FF aiding his development.
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