Southampton must make Sunderland player their transfer priority in January - He could be a difference-maker | OneFootball

Southampton must push to sign Anthony Patterson from Sunderland this summer to address their goalkeeping issue.

Southampton have made serious improvement under Tonda Eckert, even if the 3-2 defeat at Millwall last time out did halt their progress somewhat.

Despite that, the interim boss has quickly got the team playing some exciting stuff, and several of the goals in the recent demolition of Charlton display the quality that Saints boast in their ranks.

The run of four wins on the bounce prior to their trip to The Den has firmly put Southampton back in the play-off hunt, after they had been nervously looking over their shoulder following a dismal start under Will Still before his sacking.

Southampton must be prepared for a crucial January window

Even with the upturn in form, it’s still clear that Saints are lacking in key areas, and whilst Eckert has made the group better, there would still be major doubts over whether this squad is capable of pushing for promotion - which has to be the aim for the South Coast outfit.

Therefore, January is sure to be crucial, and you would expect Sport Republic to make funds available as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

Pleasingly, Saints won’t go into the window needing wholesale changes. Instead, it will be about adding quality over quantity, and targeting individuals who can come into the XI and help the team immediately.

Anthony Patterson would be an upgrade on Southampton’s current goalkeeping options

Each fan will have their own opinion on where Southampton must improve in January, but it would be a surprise if many didn’t feel a new goalkeeper should be a priority.

In truth, it’s been a problem position for Saints for some time now, even if Aaron Ramsdale was one of the few positives last season.

Alex McCarthy started the campaign in goal, but Eckert has reverted to Gavin Bazunu since he took the job.

Whilst they both have good moments, the reality is that neither is convincing, and questions were raised about Bazunu in the defeat at Millwall last time out.

It should be said that the Irishman is still very young for a keeper, and he has had very bad luck with injuries, so it’s far too soon to write off the 23-year-old as a long-term option for Saints.

However, January has to be about the here and now, and there are better keepers who could help the team as they try to bounce back to the top-flight.

Anthony Patterson falls into that category, with the Sunderland keeper currently on the bench after losing his place to Robin Roefs following his arrival at the Stadium of Light this summer.

The performances of the Dutchman have justified Sunderland’s bold decision to drop Patterson, but it will no doubt frustrate the academy graduate, who will be desperate to play regularly once again.

It has been reported that Patterson could depart on loan in the New Year, and it’s a potential deal that Southampton should be all over.

He ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what Saints should want. Firstly, he is proven at this level, so there would be no real adaptation period, which is always a worry when you sign someone mid-season.

Crucially, Patterson has won promotion from this level in the past, and you can’t underestimate the importance of having someone with that mentality in the group.

It’s a real positive for Saints that a lot of the squad are in the same boat, as it means they can cope when the high-pressure games come later in the season. For Patterson to have a promotion via the play-offs on his CV, it demonstrates that he has the mentality to cope in that environment.

Furthermore, whilst he has made some mistakes, like all keepers, Patterson is generally reliable, and his all-round game should suit Saints.

We have seen Eckert implement a positive brand of football, and that includes the keeper being able to play out from the back, which was a factor in bringing Bazunu back ahead of McCarthy. That style wouldn’t be a problem for Patterson, who has proven over the years that he is capable with the ball at his feet.

There are a lot of games to be played between now and the transfer window, but it’s shaping up to be a massive window for Southampton as they look to keep climbing the table.

So, the recruitment team must be ready, and securing the signature of Patterson would be a very positive start to address the goalkeeping department at St. Mary’s Stadium.