‘Sunderland face race against time to strike Djordje Petrovic deal’
Sunderland are facing a race against time if they’re to land goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic this summer.
The Black Cats earned promotion to the Premier League last season via the Championship playoffs, beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the showpiece final at Wembley in May.
Anthony Patterson was a key figure in Sunderland’s success, making 90 saves and keeping 14 clean sheets in 42 league appearances last season. The 25-year-old also registered an impressive 68.7% save success rate.
However, Patterson has often been linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light and former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown has previously told Football Insider that the club could be happy to cash in this summer (6 July).
Sunderland face uncertainty at goalkeeper position
Sunderland have already been linked with Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone this summer.
But even if they sign the veteran ‘keeper, they may need to bring another through the door if Patterson leaves.
Djordje Petrovic caught the eye last season on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea, keeping 10 clean sheets and conceding just 38 goals in 31 Ligue 1 appearances.
The Serbian also had an excellent 74.5% save rate (FotMob) and posted strong per 90 numbers in other key metrics, such as high claims (1.32) and sweeper-keeper actions (0.58).
| 2024/25 Ligue 1 per 90 stats | Djordje Petrovic |
| Saves | 3.58 |
| Save percentage | 74.5% |
| Goals conceded | 1.23 |
| Goals prevented | 0.26 |
| Clean sheets | 0.32 |
| Error led to goal | 0.00 |
| High claim | 1.32 |
| Pass accuracy | 78.8% |
Those performances came off the back of some strong outings for Chelsea during the 2023/24 season after arriving from MLS outfit New England Revolution.
Even so, there doesn’t appear to be a path forward at Chelsea, who have a heavily congested goalkeeper line-up.
Djordje Petrovic race hotting up: Sunderland face race against time
Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed on Wednesday (9 July) that Bournemouth are accelerating a move to sign Petrovic from Chelsea this summer.
The Cherries are in need of a new stopper following the expiration of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan, with the Spaniard having since joined Arsenal.
Chelsea are understood to value Petrovic at £20million, with other Premier League clubs thought to be open to meeting that valuation.
With Bournemouth holding such a strong interest and wasting no time in pushing a deal, Sunderland must now make a quick decision whether or not Petrovic is the man for them — and if they wish to keep Patterson and focus their efforts on other positions.