‘Sunderland make Anthony Patterson decision amid major Chelsea development’
Sunderland have decided on Anthony Patterson’s future as they eye a move for Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic ahead of their Premier League return.
After securing promotion back to the top flight for the first time since suffering relegation in 2017 via May’s Championship playoff final victory, Regis Le Bris is intent on bolstering his ranks.
The Black Cats’ chances of securing Premier League survival took a dent when former star man Jobe Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund.
However, Le Bris responded well to that setback as Sunderland welcomed club-record signing Habib Diarra to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, 1 July.
Sunderland make Patterson exit decision as Petrovic swoop eyed
Mackems academy graduate Patterson helped Le Bris’ men win promotion to the Premier League by maintaining 14 clean sheets in 42 Championship appearances last season.
However, the Stadium of Light club are seeking an upgrade on the 25-year-old as the Sky Sports transfer centre revealed [2 July, 3:41pm]: “Sunderland and Bournemouth are among multiple clubs in Europe interested in signing Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
“Chelsea value the 25-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, at around £25million.
“Sunderland and Bournemouth are both likely to sign goalkeepers this summer.”
If the Black Cats beat the likes of the Cherries to Petrovic’s signature, it will spell the end of Patterson’s spell with the North East outfit.
Having served as the Mackems’ first-choice keeper since the 2022/23 season, the former England Under-21 international will not be content to serve as the Chelsea man’s backup.
Meanwhile, Sunderland’s recent big-money swoop for Diarra proves that they will not be put off by the Blues’ valuation of Petrovic.
Le Bris set to turn attention to forward line after Petrovic swoop
If Sunderland seal Petrovic’s signature, they will have acquired a highly capable new goalkeeper, who is ready to shine in the Premier League after performing well for Strasbourg in the French top flight last season.
| Djordje Petrovic stats | Ligue 1 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Saves | 111 |
| Clean sheets | 10 |
The Stadium of Light outfit will be delighted once they get their hands on a Patterson upgrade, but Le Bris would still be left with vital work to do in the transfer window.
Sunderland won promotion from the Championship last season largely thanks to the attacking exploits of both Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda.
Isidor was the Stadium of Light side’s top scorer last campaign, notching a return of 13 goals in 46 appearances, while Mayenda scored 10 goals in 40 appearances, including a crucial equaliser in the 2-1 playoff final victory over Sheffield United.
However, neither the former Zenit man nor the Spain Under-21 international boast the vital Premier League experience that Sunderland need among their attacking ranks.
Meanwhile, the Black Cats have been urged to retain Dennis Cirkin amid interest from Tottenham in a Mackem News exclusive.