A Sunderland player has emerged as the Premier League Giants’ shocking target.
Journalist Alan Nixon reports that Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has become a surprise transfer target for Premier League leaders Liverpool.
In the middle of the 2021–2022 season, the 23-year-old became the Black Cats’ first-choice goalkeeper after a fruitful loan at Notts County, a National League team at the time. After playing the majority of the season at Meadow Lane, he returned to the North East where he was handed a starting position as Sunderland won the League One play-offs to reclaim their place in the second division.
Since then, he has been a constant, starting every Wearsiders 27 Championship game this season. In September, he signed new contract with the club that will keep him at Stadium of Light until 2028, pledging his future to the team.
Nevertheless, Liverpool has taken notice of his play over the past few seasons and may be shopping for a new goalkeeper this summer. According to Nixon, current number two CaoimhÃn Kelleher has appeared on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, as well as Scottish champions Celtic.
Although Alisson currently has the upper hand, the Republic of Ireland international has been given fair opportunities to compete in cup competitions, such as the Europa League. The 25-year-old has started every Carabao Cup game for the Reds, including this week’s semi-final first-leg victory over Fulham.
However, it’s thought that the former academy grad might want to give playing regular first team football a shot. This is where Patterson fits in. Jurgen Klopp is looking for a top quality replacement who can step in as Alisson’s understudy and can make the step up to the first team in the Brazilian international’s absence.
Although a move for the one-time England under-21 international is being considered, according to Nixon, it won’t happen this month and will instead be addressed in the summer after Kelleher’s circumstances are known.
Yesterday, Patterson was in goal for Sunderland as Ipswich Town overcame a late deficit to win 2-1 at Portman Road. Coventry City, who defeated champions-elect Leicester City 3-1 at the CBS Arena, has thus displaced Michael Beale’s team in the top six.
Author’s Perspective
Even in the best of circumstances, conjecture such as this is unhelpful, particularly now that Sunderland is fighting for a spot in the Championship play-offs for the second straight year. However, because Patterson has a long-term contract, the Black Cats are aware that they are in a strong position.
It would probably cost a lot of money to acquire the goalie, but Michael Beale will be praying that his head stays put. The field needs to be the main focus, especially with Hull City visiting on Friday night. When both teams battle it out at the top of the table in May, this matchup could end up being a true six-pointer. To win the three points, the manager will need all of his players to perform at their highest level.
