Millwall backed to seal deal for 'unfortunate' Sunderland star - it 'makes sense for all parties' | OneFootball

FLW's Millwall Fan Pundit has told his club to bring the shot-stopper to The Den this January.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Millwall are in the market for a new goalkeeper after Steven Benda's loan deal at the club was cut short on January 12, having made just 10 appearances for the Lions.

Alex Neil's side have had a brilliant first-half of the campaign, and they have automatic promotion ambitions, with a place in the Championship's top two a very real possibility.

However, they are lacking a truly experienced shot-stopper, with Max Crocombe and George Evans the two current options at The Den following the departure of Benda and an injury to Lukas Jensen. Yet, there has been interest in Sunderland's Anthony Patterson.

The 25-year-old has struggled for game time in the Premier League and, as per Alan Nixon, Millwall have become the most recent Championship club to enter the race for the goalkeeper's signature, and they have been backed to make the move.

Millwall told they must sign Anthony Patterson

At 25, Patterson has plenty of experience already at this level, and after helping Sunderland to promotion last season, he knows all about getting out of the division.

He's also worked under Neil before, and when asked by Football League World about a potential move, Millwall fan pundit Lucas Ball said: "Yeah, it's a deal I really like the sound of.

"We clearly need to add in the goalkeeper department. Max Crocombe’s done okay, but I’m not fully convinced by him at times. George Evans, as good as he was at the back end of last season when he had to come in and play, I think he could do with a League One or League Two loan spell.

"So, Patterson, he's got experience of winning promotion from this league as recently as last season. He's worked with Alex Neil before. He cannot be any worse than Steven Benda. He's one of the worst goalkeepers I’ve ever seen play for us. Good riddance to him."

Lucas continued: "I think it was very much a mutual decision to send him back between us and Fulham. I think we're more than happy for that to happen. So, if we can add, great. If not, George Evans is a capable number battling Crocombe for the number one shirt.

"We'll have to wait and see. But I like the sound of the Patterson deal. I think he's a good goalkeeper. He’s been unfortunate in some ways because obviously Sunderland invested a lot when they went up. He's found himself playing second fiddle to Robin Roefs, who, to be fair to him, has had a really good season. It's a move that makes sense for all parties, and fingers crossed it gets over the line."

Anthony Patterson had an excellent season in the Championship in 2024/25

While his efforts last season have not been rewarded with consistent game time in the Premier League, there is no doubting Patterson's talent and he would be an excellent addition for Millwall.

He kept 14 clean sheets in 42 league games last time out, conceding 42 goals as the Black Cats won promotion through the play-offs. While there are areas that the former Notts County loanee can work on, he would be an upgrade on the Lions' current options.

Patterson is relatively calm and collected while on the ball, and this is an important factor when signing a goalkeeper in modern-day football and it would offer Millwall another option while attacking.

Neil needs a goalkeeper and the Sunderland shot-stopper needs minutes. It could be a match made in heaven as the Lions look to finally end their 36-year wait for top flight football.