‘Sunderland set to make brutal Anthony Patterson decision as Sam Johnstone interest builds’
Sunderland could be set to make a brutal call when it comes to goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
The Black Cats are looking to sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
That’s according to their former chief scout Mick Brown, who exclusively told Football Insider that Johnstone is now among their top targets.
Interest in the 32-year-old comes after Sunderland missed out on Polish stopper Marcin Bulka, who instead chose to trade Nice for Neom SC in the Saudi Pro League.
Sunderland considering Anthony Patterson replacement
There’s every chance that Johnstone will be brought on board to back up current number one Patterson and to help provide competition.
However, the academy graduate may also be looking nervously over his shoulder at his starting spot at the Stadium of Light.
Just last season, the 25-year-old made 90 saves and kept 14 clean sheets in 42 Championship appearances, helping Sunderland finish fourth in the league both outright and in goals conceded (44), ultimately earning promotion through the playoffs.
| 2024/25 per 90 stats (league only) | Anthony Patterson | Sam Johnstone |
| Saves | 2.19 | 3.29 |
| Save percentage | 68.7% | 57.5% |
| Goals conceded | 1.00 | 2.43 |
| Goals prevented | 0.04 | -0.58 |
| Clean sheets | 0.33 | 0.00 |
| Error led to goal | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| High claim | 0.55 | 1.14 |
| Pass accuracy | 68.6% | 62.7% |
In fact, Patterson’s performances over the last few seasons have seen him linked with clubs as big as Arsenal, with TBR reporting in October that the Gunners were scouting the goalkeeper.
And Brown recently told Football Insider that Sunderland might be happy to cash in on Patterson this summer in favour of a goalkeeper with Premier League experience.
“I personally still have some doubts about him, and it looks like Sunderland might share those,” Brown said.
“They’ve been looking to sign a new goalkeeper for the Premier League, probably because they want a bit more experience and stability.
“So that makes Patterson’s future uncertain because it’s his position they’re talking about.
“If they sign a new goalkeeper, they’re going to want them to come into the starting XI.“
Sunderland should show faith in Patterson
While top-flight experience is important, Patterson is hardly wet behind the ears.
The former England youth international has clocked up 168 senior appearances for the North East club across all competitions, including 133 in the Championship.
The promoted teams have gone straight back down in each of the last two Premier League campaigns and none of those six sides have really looked likely to stay up.
The type of fee Sunderland could command for a goalkeeper is unlikely to move the needle in terms of outfield signings — especially once the cost of replacing him with someone like Johnstone is factored in.
The Black Cats might be better served sticking with the solid, promising goalkeeper they have — one who is already familiar with the defenders in front of him — and focusing their time, energy and finances on other key positions to avoid suffering a similar fate to the likes of Ipswich, Southampton and Leicester.