Queens Park Rangers and Leicester City have received a significant indication regarding a potential January transfer swoop for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. The 25-year-old shot-stopper has fallen out of favour at the Stadium of Light, sparking interest from several Championship sides.
Goalkeeping Conundrum at Loftus Road Sparks Interest
The transfer links come amid a season of instability between the posts for QPR. Manager Julien Stephan has struggled to settle on a definitive first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival. The season began with Joe Walsh in the starting XI, replacing the previous season's regular, Paul Nardi.
This plan was disrupted in September when Walsh suffered a broken wrist, prompting Nardi's return. QPR then moved to sign veteran Ben Hamer on a free transfer later that same month. Hamer eventually secured the starting role by early November but subsequently picked up an injury against Blackburn Rovers. This ongoing uncertainty has fuelled speculation that the West London club will seek a new, established number one in the January window.
Sunderland's Stance on a Permanent Exit
According to transfer specialist Alan Nixon, the interest in Patterson extends to Southampton alongside QPR and Leicester. However, Nixon's latest reports underline a crucial detail: Sunderland would prefer a permanent sale for Patterson, not a loan arrangement.
This could complicate matters for QPR, who already have three senior goalkeepers on their roster. Patterson, a product of Sunderland's academy, is under contract until 2028. Previous reports from Football Insider suggested the club could value him at around £30 million, a figure that would likely be prohibitive for second-tier clubs.
Patterson's Changed Role on Wearside
Anthony Patterson was a key figure in Sunderland's recent rise to the Premier League, making 45 appearances in the Championship last season. Despite this, he has yet to feature in the top flight this campaign.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris addressed the goalkeeper's situation in October, acknowledging the unique challenge. "The goalkeeper's position is a bit different to anywhere else on the pitch," Le Bris stated. He explained that Patterson's role had changed, but emphasised the opportunity for development, noting that "the goalkeeper's life is a bit longer" and Patterson could use the time to learn and refine his game.
With the January transfer window approaching, the future of the English goalkeeper remains a focal point for clubs seeking stability at the back. Whether a Championship side can meet Sunderland's demands for a permanent transfer will be a decisive factor in any deal.
