Sunderland at risk of January howler as Anthony Patterson update emerges
Anthony Patterson could be on the move from Sunderland this winter.
Sunderland would not be in the Premier League had it not been for Patterson, who played a crucial role in the Championship last time out.
Not only did his incredible save in the play-off final keep the Black Cats in the game, but his season-long performances were key to their return to the top flight.
Robin Roefs has dethroned him from a starting role at the Stadium of Light this season, casting a shadow of doubt over his future.
An exit could be on the cards for Patterson in January, which could have a damaging knock-on effect.
Anthony Patterson exit could see Matt Young recalled
Jordan Pickford’s rise is a showcase of how well Sunderland tend to do with young goalkeepers, and it has been no different recently.
Matt Young is next in line, though Alan Nixon reported on Sunday that his loan spell could be cut short at Salford if Patterson departs.
Initially, that may not seem too worrying, but at 18 years old, he simply needs to be playing regular football, and he is getting that in League Two.
The teenager has made 14 appearances for Salford this season, keeping three clean sheets in the process with a 69.6 per cent save percentage.
Returning to Sunderland as a backup keeper would do nothing for his development, and if anything, it would hamper it.
Sunderland must replace Anthony Patterson if he departs
Roefs is not going to lose his place anytime soon, though he could certainly benefit from the arrival of a more experienced goalkeeper.
If Patterson leaves, with Leicester City linked, that has to be the route taken by the Black Cats.
Not only would it allow Young to keep playing regular senior football at Salford, but having that senior figure in the squad would benefit not only Roefs but all of the younger players.
Added to that, given Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ plans for the January transfer window, a permanent exit for Patterson would boost their PSR position.
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