Sunderland must part ways with Anthony Patterson after £10m exit news
Anthony Patterson has come under fire for his performances throughout the current campaign for Sunderland.
As of right now, the mood on Wearside is rather dull after Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat at home to QPR on the final day of the regular Championship season.
Of course, with the playoffs rapidly approaching, the Black Cats’ season is far from over, though their lack of form has sparked plenty of concern.
Not only has it been the form of the team causing concern, but also that of Patterson, who has come under pressure at Sunderland on several occasions this season, and they may look to part ways when the summer window opens.
Southampton ready to move for Patterson after relegation
Patterson has kept his place under Regis Le Bris, though an argument can be made for that being the case as a result of a lack of direct competition, with Simon Moore next in line.
The academy graduate has cost Sunderland on a few occasions this season, and Southampton are reportedly set to offer him an exit route from Wearside [Sun on Sunday, page 55, 4 May].
| Sunderland | Games | Clean sheets | Conceded | Saves |
| Patterson | 42 | 14 | 42 | 92 |
Sunderland are said to be willing to accept an offer of around £10million, and if the Saints are willing to reach that price tag, it would be somewhat of a no-brainer to sell.
That will, of course, leave the Mackems in need of a replacement in the summer, which promises to be a very busy period for Sunderland.
Premier League football will be needed at Wearside
If Sunderland get promoted, recruitment will be much easier, but a failure to achieve that will likely see several key figures depart from the Stadium of Light.
Optimism levels are low right now off the back of five straight defeats, and Le Bris has a major task on his hands to get his side back on track and have any chance of beating Coventry.
Sunderland will travel to face the Sky Blues in the first of two legs in the playoffs on Friday (9 May).