"The right time" - Sunderland AFC backed to sell star to Southampton | OneFootball

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit has given his verdict on Southampton's interest in Anthony Patterson

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has emerged as a transfer target for Southampton this summer.

According to The Sun, the Saints are considering a move for the 24-year-old following their relegation to the Championship.

It is expected that Aaron Ramsdale will depart St. Mary’s after the team’s 20th place finish in the Premier League, leaving them in need of a new number one.

Patterson has been first choice for Sunderland throughout their three years in the Championship, and has made 42 appearances in the league so far this season with the team chasing victory in the play-offs.

Anthony Patterson sale verdict

When asked about Southampton’s interest in Patterson, FLW’s Sunderland fan pundit Jack Austwicke claimed that now is the right time to cash in on the goalkeeper.

He believes Patterson’s errors this year have been costly, and that an upgrade is needed regardless of any interest from the Saints or whatever division they’re competing in next season.

“I think we need a new number one regardless of Anthony Patterson moving on,” Austwicke told Football League World.

“It probably is the right time.

“I think this season has been telling for him, really, he just hasn’t been at the required level.

“He’s cost us a lot of goals, and in turn a lot of points.

“And I backed him a lot but he had that run of form that was just horrendous.

“And to be fair I don’t want to bad mouth him because he is a good Championship goalkeeper, there’s no doubting that.

“So Southampton, they’re going to need one, Ramsdale probably isn’t going to stick around, so I think it would be a good move for him and a good move for us to sell him.

“Because that’s definitely a position that we need to strengthen, I’d argue even if we don’t go up.”

Patterson conceded 42 times in his 42 appearances in the Championship this regular season, with Régis Le Bris' team coming fourth in the table.

Now could be a good time to cash in on Patterson

Patterson has made mistakes this season, but has also shown a lot of potential and could become a really impressive goalkeeper if he can iron out those errors.

The 24-year-old is still young when it comes to his position, and already has an abundance of Championship experience.

With his contract running until 2028, Sunderland have a lot of leverage in any potential negotiations, which could make this a good time to cash in at a high price.