Anthony Patterson to Leicester makes total sense after Marti Cifuentes comments
Anthony Patterson could be on his way out of Sunderland in the January transfer window amid interest from Leicester City.
Patterson was a hero for Sunderland in the playoff final last season but has lost his place in the side to summer signing Robin Roefs.
Indeed, with Roefs proving one of the best Premier League signings of the season, it will be a while before Patterson gets a look in at the Stadium of Light.
It was reported by Alan Nixon on Sunday that Leicester are interested in signing Patterson from Sunderland on loan in January.
Southampton are also said to hold an interest, but it is Leicester who appear to be the most likely option for Patterson.
Marti Cifuentes a fan of Anthony Patterson
Patterson has played 169 times for Sunderland in all competitions, including 45 times in the 2023-24 Championship campaign.
Among those games was a 0-0 draw with Queens Park Rangers at the Stadium of Light, in which Patterson produced a fine late save to deny Chris Willock.
Speaking after that game, Marti Cifuentes – who was then QPR boss and has since taken charge of Leicester – was certainly impressed by what he had seen from the Sunderland keeper.
“The game was more or less what we wanted. We didn’t allow Sunderland to get a shot on goal for 95 minutes,” Cifuentes said.
“[They were] very good saves, but overall I’m very disappointed about not getting the victory.”
Patterson made five saves in total that day, including the fine stop to deny Willock, whereas Sunderland did not manage a single shot on target.
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Regis Le Bris comments on Patterson pave way for exit
The irony of Patterson helping Sunderland to the Premier League is that his place in the side has been lost as a result.
Regis Le Bris recently confirmed Roefs will be Sunderland’s first choice going forward, which is of course not a surprise to anyone.
- Patterson made 42 Championship appearances for Sunderland last season
- That compares to zero appearances in the Premier League this campaign
- The ex-England U21s international kept 14 clean sheets in 2024-25
- His save percentage of 70 was the joint-best of his Sunderland career to date
What it does mean, though, is Patterson will surely be itching to get out and play in the second half of the campaign.
From a selfish point of view, Sunderland may keep hold in order to preserve their squad depth for the final four months of the season.
But Patterson may have different ideas, and a move to Leicester – a team competing for promotion to the Premier League themselves – seems as good an option as any.
Cifuentes clearly liked what he saw from Patterson that day 20 months or so ago, and he may now get the chance to work with him very soon indeed.
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