The latest on Anthony Patterson’s Sunderland future as Wrexham join Rangers and Millwall in the race for the goalkeeper
Wrexham are reportedly attempting to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, with both permanent and loan arrangements under consideration.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the ambitious Championship club hope to reach an agreement with Sunderland over the academy graduate, who could be available for around £7million. Wrexham may be prepared to pay a transfer fee but would reportedly prefer either a straightforward loan or an initial loan containing an option or obligation to buy.
Patterson is expected to leave the Stadium of Light this summer after falling behind Robin Roefs in Sunderland’s goalkeeping hierarchy. The 26-year-old has nevertheless returned to the Academy of Light and is training with the club’s senior goalkeepers while his future is resolved.
Millwall are also keen to bring Patterson back to The Den following his successful loan spell during the second half of last season. The Lions recruited him in February after he had been restricted to one senior appearance for Sunderland during the opening months of the campaign.
Nixon’s report also claimed Sunderland’s asking price had discouraged Rangers from progressing their interest. Wolverhampton Wanderers are another club to have considered Patterson but would reportedly need to move one of their existing goalkeepers on before making an approach.
Patterson’s Sunderland story has already included two successful promotion campaigns. After initially spending time on the senior bench during the 2018–19 season, he made his competitive debut in an EFL Trophy defeat at Fleetwood Town in November 2020.
A loan spell with Notts County followed during the 2021–22 campaign, although Patterson was recalled amid injuries within Sunderland’s senior goalkeeping department. He subsequently established himself as the club’s first choice during the second half of the season. Patterson played throughout the League One play-offs as Sunderland defeated Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley to end their four-year stay in the third tier.
Three years later, he was again central to a successful play-off final. Patterson produced two important saves against Sheffield United at Wembley, including a crucial second-half stop while Sunderland trailed, before Régis Le Bris’ side recovered to win 2–1 and secure promotion to the Premier League. The arrival and subsequent form of Roefs significantly reduced Patterson’s opportunities last season, leading to his temporary switch to Millwall.
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