Sunderland ‘could turn back on Patterson’ amid new transfer update
Sunderland must be ruthless in the transfer market if they want to remain in the Premier League.
The Black Cats face an uphill struggle to stay in the top flight, and getting their recruitment right is crucial.
With the newly promoted clubs struggling in recent years, Sunderland cannot afford to be sentimental with players who have performed well for them in the Championship.
If upgrades can be brought to the Stadium of Light in any position, then they must do so.
Sunderland also have to keep as many of their key assets as possible, but this could be hard, especially with exit rumours surrounding the likes of Chris Rigg.
Sunderland open talks with OGC Nice for Marcin Bulka
Jordan Henderson’s return to the North East has been a well-documented transfer saga, which makes sense considering the need for a midfielder following Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund.
Goalkeeper, however, is a position that some Mackems may not have chosen to strengthen in the summer.
Anthony Patterson is one of the players who has been with Sunderland on their journey from League One to the Premier League.
The English shotstopper has been a regular in between the sticks at the Stadium of Light for four seasons now, but Patterson could find himself on the bench for the next campaign.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano on X (25 June), Sunderland have opened talks with Polish goalkeeper Bulka.
Bulka, 25, has been approached by several clubs so far this summer, but the Black Cats are now in direct talks with Nice over a potential transfer.
This may seem harsh, especially when considering how good Patterson was in Sunderland’s play-off final victory at Wembley.
| Anthony Patterson | Play-off final statistics (v Sheffield United) |
| Saves | 2 |
| Goals prevented | 0.71 |
| High claims | 1 |
However, a solid defence will be key if Sunderland are to avoid the drop next season and bringing in a goalkeeper with top-flight experience seems like a smart idea.
If Bulka is indeed the better option, it may well be that Sunderland ruthlessly turn their back on Patterson.
Patterson could still have a crucial role to play
It seems unlikely that if Bulka joins in the summer, then he will start as anything other than first choice.
Regis Le Bris can be confident in knowing that if the Polish international struggles to adapt to English football or has a dip in form throughout the season, Patterson will be waiting in the wings to take his place.
Whoever Le Bris starts in goal, they will likely be one of the busiest goalkeepers in the entire Premier League.
If Bulka does sign, he will be hoping that Dennis Cirkin remains at the club, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly interested in the left-back.
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