Patterson set for new Sunderland role after surprise Robin Roefs development
Sunderland are strengthening all over the park as they prepare for their long-awaited Premier League return.
The Black Cats have already spent more than £100million this summer as they prepare for their Stadium of Light opener against West Ham.
Anthony Patterson has been absent from Sunderland’s pre-season, meaning the Wearsiders have been trying to strengthen.
However, it seems that the signing of Robin Roefs is to impact the academy product’s role in the North East next season.
Sunderland set to announce surprise Roefs signing
It has been speculated that Patterson could leave the Stadium of Light, given the North East club’s goalkeeper hunt.
The 25-year-old has had his admirers in the past, with some of the Premier League’s top clubs credited with interest.
Last season, the shot-stopper made 45 appearances in all competitions, keeping 14 clean sheets.
| Anthony Patterson’s 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Clean sheets | 14 |
| Goals conceded per game | 1 |
| Penalties saved | 1/5 |
| Saves per game | 2.2 (69%) |
| Goals prevented | -1.75 |
However, the Englishman has had his doubters, particularly after his disastrous error, which led to a Hull City goal.
Now, Sunderland have reportedly reached an agreement with NEC Nijmegen to sign Roefs as their new number one.
The deal for the 22-year-old is around £9.1m, plus approximately £2.6million in add-ons, as well as a sell-on clause.
Roefs is a Netherlands Under-21 international and will undergo his medical on Wednesday (30 July) before joining on a five-year contract.
Should Patterson lose his place to Roefs?
Sunderland are clearly not convinced of Patterson, hence why they have gone to great lengths to sign a new goalkeeper.
The 25-year-old has assured himself as a capable shot-stopper, and if it were not for his save in the play-off final, then the Wearsiders may not be a Premier League outfit.
However, there can be no room for sentiment as the Black Cats strive to survive at the first attempt.
While Patterson has been a solid number one, he is not the most commanding and is seldom seen shouting at his outfield players.
Furthermore, statistics suggest that the Newcastle-born man conceded more goals than he should have last term.
Roefs is, of course, an unknown, but he prevented 5.20 goals last season, according to Sofascore.
It appears that Sunderland have done their homework, and now Patterson is set for a new role on Wearside.
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