Sunderland AFC make fresh transfer decision - it will interest QPR, Southampton & Leicester City | OneFootball

Sunderland have made a significant transfer decision on Anthony Patterson amid interest from QPR, Southampton, and Leicester City

Anthony Patterson is Sunderland's second-choice behind Robin Roefs, with Sunderland set to make a decision regarding the goalkeeper's future at the Stadium of Light.

The 25-year-old from North Shields joined Sunderland as a boy, before spending a loan with Notts County. However, from 2021/22 until 2024/25, he was their number one and was a part of two promotion campaigns out of both League One and the Championship.

Regis Le Bris and co. then moved to secure Roefs, leaving Patterson to feature in just one EFL Cup tie against Huddersfield Town. That game ended 7-6 on penalties to the Terriers as well.

Patterson's lack of game time, therefore, could mean a temporary switch could be on the cards in the New Year, and according to journalist Alan Nixon, he could be heading out on loan to the Championship. That was back in November but there have been further updates since.

Antony Patterson transfer reveal will interest QPR, Leicester, and Southampton

A number of Championship clubs could move for Patterson, given his experience at the level for such a young goalkeeper. In fact, promotion hopefuls Southampton and Leicester have eyed Patterson already this season.

In fact, a reported QPR swoop for Patterson. However, it is fair to say that the 25-year-old didn't have the most amazing of personal campaigns in 2024/25 despite the Black Cats' promotion.

That said, many of these sides have had difficulties with their goalkeeping department. The consistency has simply not been there, which is why Patterson remains an interesting name to crop up — and there has been a further update on his situation with Sunderland.

Out of favour and benched for every Premier League fixture so far, Nixon is now reporting that a loan is not in their interests. He states that Sunderland are looking to sell Patterson amid interest from Southampton, as well as QPR and Leicester.

That would leave the Black Cats with Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu as the cover for Roefs, unless another 'keeper is brought in or Matt Young is recalled.

Per the Sunderland Echo in October, Le Bris' most recent comments on Patterson said: “The goalkeeper’s position is a bit different to anywhere else on the pitch.

"It is a maybe a bit similar for the centre-halves as well, because you really need an injury to be able to come back into the game if you are not starting. The same is probably true of a goalkeeper. In the other positions, you can sub easily, but that doesn’t really happen with a goalkeeper.

"If you are a striker, then you will probably get chances in games. The position for a number two goalkeeper is a bit different. So, for Anthony, I think the reality at the minute is really clear for him. I think that is important because we all know the situation. He remains really positive.

"He played a lot last season and the season before that, so his role is a bit different now. But he can learn. That is what he has to do. The goalkeeper’s life is a bit longer than most other players – they tend to play until they are a bit older – so you have time.

"You can enjoy a new situation and learn behind a really strong goalkeeper, with different qualities. If Robin is better in one area, then maybe he can help Patto to become better in that part of his game. Then, later in his career – and maybe this season, because we don’t know what might happen – he can be ready to be competitive.”