Sheffield United to target exceptional Championship goalkeeper | OneFootball

Sheffield United are reportedly planning to make an £8 million bid for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, according to Alan Nixon.

The 24-year-old has been a standout Championship goalkeeper helping Sunderland to keep 27 clean sheets in his last two campaigns. And given his outstanding form, the Mackems were hoping for at least £16 million this summer, however Nixon claims they could still sell him for the £8 million quoted fee.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Ivo Grbic of Sheffield United collides with Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sheffield United at Selhurst Park on January 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Sheffield United to table £8 million bid for goalkeeper Anthony Patterson; they prefer him to Viktor Johansson

Sheffield United are in need of a goalkeeper for next season with three of their current goalkeepers being out of contract at the end of this term. Additionally, the January signing of Ivo Grbic for £2 million has not paid off whatsoever, having looked uncomfortable and unconvincing as a Premier League starter.

Of course, the Blades have been closely linked with Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. The Swede has a relegation release clause in his contract where teams can sign him for a little less than a million pounds.

Unsurprisingly, teams are queuing up to sign the 25-year-old following the Millers’ demotion to League One. Leeds United and Stoke City are among the interested parties, along with the Blades.

Johansson himself has proven to be a good goalkeeper at Championship level despite suffering relegation this term. But if this recent claim by Nixon is anything to go by then Sheffield United must clearly prefer Patterson over Johansson, even despite the contrasting fees.

That being said, in Patterson, you do know that you’re getting a goalkeeper that has good shot-stopping ability, as well as the ability to claim crosses. While his distribution is also useful – whether you want to play a shorter build-up type of game or a long and direct approach.

Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder #16 Rodri (2L) scores the game winning goal, 1-2, past Sheffield United’s English goalkeeper #18 Wes Foderingham during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on August 27, 2023. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES / AFP)

My view on the potential deal involving Anthony Patterson

For £8 million for a goalkeeper that has kept a staggering 27 clean sheets in his last two Championship seasons would be a good piece of business considering he has a very high ceiling.

The fee wouldn’t even be that big of an issue either. If the 24-year-old was to sign a four year deal for example: the club would be able to spread the finances of the deal across the Englishman’s contract length.

When you consider the club financed a £4 million deal to have Cameron Archer at the club just for one season then the £8 million deal for Patterson would be a good move. Especially considering his potential and his proven top quality at the Championship level.