Sunderland could finally kickstart their summer transfer business after naming their new manager.
Regis Le Bris was appointed Sunderland head coach yesterday, after over 120 days of searching for Michael Beale’s replacement.
The Frenchman will start the campaign with a lot of pressure on his shoulders, as he looks to guide them up to the play-offs after a disastrous 2023-24 campaign.
Le Bris will look to bring in a number of players before the season begins, while he will also hope he can keep hold of the Black Cats’ biggest assets.
Jack Clarke is one player who looks highly likely to leave the Stadium of Light, while the likes of Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil and Trai Hume are also wanted in the Premier League.
Southampton join race to sign Patterson
Patterson has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, while another top flight team have now joined the race for his signature.
Sunderland have also named their eight-figure price tag for the goalkeeper, though it appears unlikely that it will be met.
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Southampton are now interested in signing Patterson after winning promotion last month.
Nixon wrote on his Patreon: “Southampton also want a new keeper for the Premier League and are looking at a Sunderland’s highly rated Anthony Patterson.
“Saints have lost Gavin Bazunu to a lengthy injury and do not want to rely on Alex McCarthy so they are chasing a shot stopper.
“Sunderland would want around £15 to £20 million for Patterson while Saints prefer to do business at about half of those prices.”
The Sunderland star could become one of the Championship’s most expensive goalkeepers
Patterson only signed a new long-term contract in September, so the club are under no pressure to sell him this summer.
The 24-year-old has been ‘excellent’ in recent years, while his potential will certainly push up his price tag significantly.
Only two goalkeepers have joined the Premier League from the Championship for £20m or more – with both Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale returning to the top flight after Sunderland and Sheffield United were relegated.
It would be a huge price to pay for Patterson and one that most clubs probably won’t be willing to meet, but that is likely the point of Sunderland’s valuation.
They want to make a point to these top clubs that they are under no obligation to sell and don’t necessarily need the money that they could make from their departure.
However, £20m for Patterson would be almost impossible to turn down.