This summer, Sunderland appears “likely” to hold onto one of their best players.
Following Sunderland’s triumphant 2022–2023 campaign, several of their star players attracted attention from above.
However, the Black Cats did well to only lose Ross Stewart to Southampton, with the Scot out of contract at the Stadium of Light next month.
Things are looking a bit more nervy this summer though, with their plummet down to the Championship table likely to tempt some players to finally leave the club.
Jack Clarke looks set to move to the Premier League, having been linked to the likes of Brentford, West Ham and Bournemouth.
Dan Neil’s exceptional campaign leaves his future on Wearside in doubt, while Anthony Patterson is one player who could be on his way out.
The goalkeeper was linked with a move to Liverpool earlier this year, while recent reports have now claimed that Sheffield United are preparing an £8 million bid to bring him to Yorkshire.
A move to the top flight for Patterson seemed more likely, while a switch to another Championship club has been questioned.
Sunderland ‘likely’ to keep hold of prized asset
However, journalist James Copley has now claimed that Sunderland are ‘likely’ to keep hold of their academy graduate.
Copley wrote for the Sunderland Echo: “Patterson will be the subject of transfer interest during the upcoming window. Sheffield United are said to be very keen as they embark on the Championship rebuild under Chris Wilder. There’s also been some historic interest from Leicester City and Wolves and links to Celtic, Liverpool and Arsenal.
“If Patterson stays (which does look likely as it stands, though the caveat is that the transfer window is not yet open and has a long time to run when it does) that means Sunderland’s number two would feature heavily for the under-21s to keep Patterson’s back-up match fit in the event of injury or loss of form.”
Would Anthony Patterson actually want to leave?
The ‘excellent‘ shot-stopper only signed a new contract in September and it seems unlikely that he would be pushing for the exit door, so it could come down to the club if he is to leave.
You get the feeling Sunderland will be open to selling most of their key assets if they are offered a decent fee this summer, and the same could be with Patterson.
However, it would be quite surprising if a club like Sheffield United were willing to pay eight figures to sign the 24-year-old.
If Patterson does leave though, it doesn’t feel like the end of the world.
The departures of players such as Clarke and Neil could be disastrous, but Sunderland could surely sign a decent replacement for such a significant fee.
