Sunderland may look to replace Anthony Patterson in the summer as three options could become available.
Sunderland suffered a defeat against Hull City in the Championship this weekend, the first home defeat in the league for Regis Le Bris in the 2024/25 campaign.
The Black Cats weren’t up to their usual tricks infront of goal against a lowly Hull City side, but it was Anthony Patterson’s error that was decisive in the end.
Patterson’s mistake saw him turn the ball into his own net from a Hull City corner, although Patrick Roberts has also been partly blamed for the goal as well.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t the first mishap for Patterson this season, having struggled in the recent defeat against Leeds United. His errors have even led to Sunderland fans calling for Patterson to be dropped.
Because of his shaky form, there could be plans in place of looking towards an alternative shot-stopper when the 2025/26 season swings around, and three names in particular could sway Kristjaan Speakman towards a change in net.
Sunderland could target Stoke City shot-stopper Viktor Johansson
When looking at Championship goalkeepers who could be available next season, not many stand out more than Stoke City man Viktor Johansson.
The Swedish shot-stopper has been incredible since signing from Rotherham United, having recorded the most saves and the most punches in the Championship, whilst also recording the second most high claims, only second to Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper, as per SofaScore.
Because of Stoke City’s current Championship position, which is 19th, the 26-year-old could certainly be in place for a move to a side in the higher echelons of the table, with Sunderland fitting that bill.
Derby County Jacob Widell Zetterstrom could be a decent addition for Kristjaan Speakman
An alternative option in the Championship that Sunderland Director of Football Speakman could look towards is yet another Swede, and that is Derby County goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
Zetterstrom joined the Rams this summer from Swedish side Djurgardens and has made a decent impression, particularly with the ball at his feet.
Just like with Johansson and Stoke, Derby’s current shaky position in the Championship, as they take up 23rd position, could work in Sunderland’s favour. A Derby relegation would certainly see Zetterstrom move on, and the Black Cats could easily be his next destination.
Regis Le Bris could reunite with former Lorient man Yvon Mvogo
Probably the most ambitious option on the list is Yvon Mvogo, the current shot-stopper for FC Lorient in Ligue 2.
Mvogo was entrusted as Le Bris’ goalkeeper during his spell at FC Lorient, having played on 21 occasions in the successful 2022/23 Ligue 1 campaign.
The goalkeeper with 10 caps for Switzerland has been extraordinary this season, conceding just 22 goals in 24 matches.
Whilst it would be an ambitious shout for Sunderland to go for Mvogo, we have seen Le Bris reform partnerships with former Lorient stars, notably Enzo Le Fee, so there is no reason why the French boss couldn’t work his magic again.