"Massive jump" - Reaction given as Spurs plot Sunderland AFC transfer | OneFootball

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit has given his verdict on Anthony Patterson's future amid Tottenham interest

Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the January transfer window.

According to The Sun, the Premier League side are considering an approach for the 24-year-old following an injury to Guglielmo Vicario.

Patterson has been a standout performer for the Black Cats since their return to the Championship in 2022.

The goalkeeper has conceded 11 from 14 league appearances in Régis Le Bris’ side this season, keeping seven clean sheets.

Patterson transfer price claim

When asked whether Patterson was good enough to play for Spurs, and what kind of fee could the club command for him, FLW’s Sunderland fan pundit Jack Austwicke suggested it is too soon to make this kind of move in the player’s career.

He has claimed a deal worth £10m-£15 mi would be good for the Black Cats, but that he believes Patterson’s ceiling right now is to be a solid number two to a fit Vicario.

“I’m not sure if Patterson is ready for the top of the Premier League just yet,” Austwicke told Football League World.

“You’re going to get scrutinised week in and week, and you get scrutinised obviously for Sunderland, but that is a huge jump, a massive, massive jump.

“I think as a number two he’d do well, play a few cup games, few of the lesser games, but if Vicario is injured he’s going to go straight in.

“I’m not too sure.

“I think £10m to 15 million for him is a good price, we’d do well to get that, would be happy with that.”

Sunderland told to take Patterson stance

Austwicke believes a January sale would be detrimental to Sunderland, even if alternative goalkeepers could be found to adequately replace him.

“I wouldn’t sell him in January,” he added.

“Simon Moore is a good keeper, don’t get me wrong, and Patterson’s not irreplaceable, there are keepers out there who are as good as him.

“But it would be quite a significant thing to do in January, I wouldn’t really agree with that.

“But, again, Moore isn’t a bad backup, so we’ll see.”

January sale of Patterson would be too disruptive

Patterson is a player with a lot of potential, and a stint in the Premier League is absolutely in his future if he can keep up his development.

But a sale in January would be awkward for Sunderland, and require them to go into the winter market looking for a long-term first-choice goalkeeper option.

Moore is a capable deputy for the odd game here and there, but he is not the future of that position.