‘Sunderland make Anthony Patterson decision after £11.5m transfer agreed’
Sunderland remain ambitious in the transfer market amid their bid for Premier League survival.
Regis Le Bris’ intent was epitomised when Sunderland signed Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, 30 July.
The Black Cats have also made the high-profile additions of former Brighton winger Simon Adingra and ex-Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo.
Meanwhile, the North East outfit are also strengthening their goalkeeping ranks after Anthony Patterson helped them win the Championship playoff final.
Sunderland decide on Patterson’s future as Robin Roefs deal agreed
Patterson has enjoyed serving as Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper in each of the last three Championship seasons, and impressively maintained 14 clean sheets in the second tier last term.
However, the 25-year-old’s status at the Stadium of Light is said to change, as the Mackems have agreed an £11.5million deal for Robin Roefs, as reported by the Sunderland Echo.
Roefs helped the Netherlands reach the semi-finals of this summer’s Under-21 European Championships, where they lost to eventual champions England in the semi-finals.
According to the Echo, Patterson is relishing his upcoming battle with the 22-year-old for a starting spot between the sticks.
Patterson’s stance at the Stadium of Light could change
Football Insider verdict
For now, Patterson will be keen on the increased competition brought to the Stadium of Light by Roefs, as he must raise his game to perform in the Premier League, regardless of the presence of his new colleague.
| Anthony Patterson stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Saves | 92 |
| Clean sheets | 14 |
The Academy of Light graduate played a key role as the North East side landed a Championship playoff spot in 2023, just one year on from clinching promotion from League One.
Patterson remained a consistent performer for the Black Cats in the second tier when they endured a tough 2023/24 campaign, before excelling last term.
Therefore, if Roefs swiftly displaces the 25-year-old from Le Bris’ lineup, he could quickly become unhappy after playing a major role in Sunderland’s long journey back to the Premier League.
Roefs’ performances both in the Dutch top flight and for the Netherlands Under-21s suggest that he will likely be an upgrade on Patterson.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s La Liga expert Dermot Corrigan outlined what Reinildo can bring to Sunderland this term in a Mackem News exclusive.