Sunderland will have to fend off interest from Premier League clubs for one of their top prospects.
Regis Le Bris’ side suffered their second defeat of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, losing out to Watford, with Dan Neil being at the centre of the defeat.
Neil clumsily gave away a penalty in the final 10 minutes of play which was converted, and has since been called out for the mistake which proved to be so costly.
He wasn’t the only poor performer for Le Bris’ side as Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham also proved to be off the pace against Watford.
Despite the recent defeat on the road to Watford in the Championship, there is no taking away from the Black Cats’ start to the campaign, and it is only a matter of time that Sunderland’s top prospects are linked with moves elsewhere, with Premier League clubs likely identifying several players in Le Bris’ side.
One key figure in Sunderland’s side has been linked with a top Premier League move, and it certainly could be one that the Black Cats could refuse to turn down.
Premier League giants scout Anthony Patterson as interest grows in Sunderland star
Sunderland have already received major interest from League One side Birmingham for midfield gem Chris Rigg, and now Anthony Patterson is the latest to drum up potential suitors.
The Sunderland shot-stopper is reportedly, per Alan Nixon on Patreon, wanted by Manchester United, with the Red Devils hoping to bring in the goalkeeper as a number two to Andre Onana.
Former Sunderland goalkeeper Tony Coton, who is now part of the Manchester United scouting set up, has been checking out Patterson, who ‘fits the bill in every way’.
The shot-stopper, who Sunderland have reportedly priced at around £20million, is also reportedly wanted by Premier League sides Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
Is Anthony Patterson ready for a Premier League move
There have been many situations where young goalkeepers who have thrived in the EFL have looked to replicate their brilliant performances in the Premier League, however it doesn’t always work out that way.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is a prime example of a top goalkeeper who made the step up too soon, and the same could easily apply for Patterson at this moment.
Whilst Patterson has been a brilliant player for Sunderland, particularly in this season for Le Bris’ side, a move up to the Premier League would be a step too far at this point in his career, particularly if he was going to be a number two, which could stunt his development due to the lack of playing time.
If Patterson is adamant on a move to a Premier League side, then a £20million fee would not be the end of the world, but it will be up to the shot-stopper to decipher whether it would be the right move for his career at this moment in time.