​The summer transfer window is officially heating up, and Sunderland’s goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has suddenly become the most sought-after man in the Championship.
​After a breakout campaign on loan at Millwall, the 26-year-old shot-stopper has found himself in the middle of a high-stakes three-way transfer battle. With Wrexham sensationally joining the race, the Black Cats have set a firm price tag between £8 million and £10 million—a valuation that is already sparking debate across the second tier.
​Why Patterson Is In Demand
​Patterson was the hero of Sunderland’s promotion campaign just a year ago, but his trajectory changed rapidly with the arrival of Robin Roefs. Finding himself pushed down to third choice at the Stadium of Light, Patterson sought refuge at The Den, where he immediately solidified his status as one of the Championship’s most reliable keepers.
​His dominant run with Millwall—taking them all the way to the Championship play-off semi-finals—has put him firmly on the radar of clubs looking to solidify their backline for the 2026-27 season.
​The £10M Standoff
​While the interest is strong, the path to a deal is far from clear. Sources confirm that Wrexham, Millwall, and even Premier League side Wolves are tracking the situation closely. However, Sunderland’s asking price is the major hurdle.
- ​The Club’s Stance: Sunderland is standing firm on their ÂŁ8M–£10M valuation, reflecting Patterson’s quality and his two years remaining on his contract.
- ​The Player’s Wish: At 26, Patterson is at a critical career crossroads. With Melker Ellborg currently settled as the club’s number two, Patterson has made it clear he is not interested in sitting on the bench. He wants to be a guaranteed starter.
- ​The Negotiation Gap: There is a growing belief from the player’s camp that Sunderland will need to be “realistic” with their valuation if they truly want to help him secure a permanent move to a Championship side this summer.
​A Busy Summer Ahead
​For Wrexham, landing Patterson would be a major statement of intent as they navigate the Championship. But with competition from rivals like Millwall and Wolves, the race for his signature is set to be one of the most unpredictable sagas of the summer.
​As the Black Cats look to recalibrate for their upcoming Europa League adventure, the departure of a homegrown favorite seems increasingly inevitable. The only question left is: Which club is willing to pay the price to unlock the deal?
