Florent Ghisolfi’s Sunderland goalkeeping dilemma as club weigh up Anthony Patterson sale options | OneFootball

Sunderland are weighing up Anthony Patterson’s future as they reshape the squad for 2026/27. Robin Roefs remains first choice and Melker Ellborg arrived in January as Patterson’s replacement.

According to Sunderland Echo, Patterson is back on Wearside preparing for the campaign, yet a resolution has not been found. It is widely accepted he will likely move on if terms properly reflect his ability.

At 26, the academy graduate has nearly 200 appearances. Across five seasons he has posted consistently strong save numbers, often among the EFL’s better performers. For ambitious sides, such reliability could be pivotal.

Crucially, the new SCR rules average profit from academy sales over three years. A fee around £eight to £10 million could create about £three million of headroom for the next few seasons. Ellborg’s modest cost also keeps amortisation low.

Most suitors are Championship clubs given Patterson’s limited top-tier minutes. Whether they spend that level on a goalkeeper, with other roles commanding premiums, is uncertain. A January loan to Millwall protected value, but another loan is less attractive with two years left on his deal.

A loan including an obligation to buy if promoted is one route, though it risks a similar stalemate next summer. More likely is a smaller upfront fee topped up by substantial add-ons tied to performance and club success.

Patterson is understood to favour a permanent move to settle and kick on. That would suit Sunderland, but pragmatism and patience may be needed while bidders create room to approach the valuation.

Source: Sunderland Echo