Sunderland must consider their options with the future of Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson being in doubt.
Since Regis Le Bris’ appointment at the Stadium of Light, he has wasted no time in stamping his mark of authority on the club, starting with appointing his own backroom staff.
They have also looked to bring in Championship experience, with them reportedly showing interest in Ollie Norwood following his release from Sheffield United.
However, the main concern for Sunderland boss Le Bris remains the future of star trio Jobe Bellingham, Jack Clarke and Anthony Patterson, who are all attracting interest from Premier League clubs.
The potential loss of Patterson will be cushioned by the earlier signing of 34-year-old Simon Moore, however another addition will have to be made with Moore initially being brought into the club as a backup option in-between the sticks.
Sunderland won’t have to search too far for a goalkeeper, with there being one option in particular with EFL experience that would fit the bill of the sort of keeper that Sunderland require.
Sunderland should go in for Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Nathan Baxter
With the possibility of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson moving on this summer, Sunderland should look at Bolton Wanderers’ Nathan Baxter.
Talking about Baxter earlier on in the 2023/24 season, Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt said: “He has improved with the ball and his goalkeeping is just fantastic.”
The 25-year-old played on 33 occasions for Bolton Wanderers in the 2023/24 League One campaign, achieving 14 clean sheets.
He also has Championship experience across two seasons with Hull City, where he accumulated 28 league appearances, despite being plagued with injury issues.
Would Nathan Baxter fit Regis Le Bris’ style of play
Le Bris’ style of play will likely require a man in-between the sticks capable of playing out from the back, which is something that his Lorient side did last season, waiting for gaps to open up where they will then attack with numbers.
The goalkeeper in this situation will be expected to almost dictate play from the back, therefore putting an incredible amount of emphasis on Sunderland bringing in a keeper with composure and the ability to play it around the park.
Baxter, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship after losing the 2023/24 League One play off final, certainly fits the bill after a successful season playing under Evatt for Bolton Wanderers, who also required the former Chelsea youngster to pass out from the back.
The signing also fits the philosophy of Sunderland, with him still being just 25-years-old, giving him the chance to improve his game with the Black Cats and potentially warrant a high price tag as a result.
