Jack Butland ‘to replace Anthony Patterson’ after what happened at Sunderland
Jack Butland could be the answer to Sunderland’s goalkeeping concerns if they pursue a deal this summer.
Sunderland are enjoying an excellent season all things considered, though there has been the occasional concern that surfaced at the Stadium of Light.
One of those has been the form of Anthony Patterson, who has come in for his fair share of criticism over the last few weeks.
Mistakes in the games like the defeat to Leeds United and the 1-0 loss to Hull City directly led to the Black Cats dropping points, though Regis Le Bris has stuck with his ‘keeper throughout that period.
However, it may be a position that the Mackems look to strengthen this summer, and they may be able to pull off a deal to sign Butland.
Patterson may be replaced this summer
Sunderland are still unsure as to which division they will be in next season, though they may look to make a change in goal regardless.
While Patterson has earned his place between the sticks, his form has dropped massively since the start of the season, and it has proved costly.
| Championship | W | D | L | P |
| Sunderland (4th) | 19 | 12 | 6 | 69 |
One potential option that they could look at would be Rangers’ ‘keeper Butland, who single-handedly earned the Light Blues a spot in the quarterfinals of the Europa League with his heroics in the penalty shootout at Ibrox.
His contract in Scotland runs until 2027, meaning he will have two years left upon the conclusion of the current campaign, though with a takeover pending at Ibrox, they may look to make changes of their own.
At 32 years old, Butland has the experience that is needed in goal, while having spent a large period of his career playing in England.
Despite his involvement in their win against Jose Mourinho, Butland has come in for criticism of his own with Rangers, and with a clean slate to build from next season, they may opt to move on.
Sunderland have improvements to make this summer
If Sunderland achieve promotion, improvements will certainly be needed, though they will be just as important if they fail to return to the Premier League.
Despite what has been ane excellent campaign, the Wearsiders have fallen short in several encounters this season, with a lack of quality to be bemoaned.
While a return to the Premier League remains on the cards, if they fail to achieve that, it will ramp up the pressure on them to do it next time out.