Southampton: Sunderland player on transfer radar as potential replacement for £120k-p/w starter | OneFootball

The Saints are keeping tabs on Anthony Patterson following Premier League relegation

Southampton are reportedly monitoring Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale ahead of the summer transfer window.

With Ramsdale expected to leave St Mary’s following the Saints’ Premier League relegation, Patterson has emerged as a key target.

Patterson, 24, has spent the last three and a half seasons as Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper, racking up 149 league appearances and keeping 41 clean sheets in the Championship.

A brief dip in form during February saw him come under scrutiny, but the North Shields-born stopper has bounced back as the Black Cats prepare for a high-stakes play-off campaign.

Anthony Patterson on Southampton radar with Aaron Ramsdale departure expected.

According to The Sun, Patterson is now a target for Southampton, as they look to replenish their squad ahead of the 2025-26 Championship season.

Southampton are not the only club keeping tabs on Patterson. Tottenham Hotspur were previously linked when searching for back-up options between the sticks, while Burnley have also reportedly scouted the former England Under-21 international.

Although Patterson has established himself as one of the division’s more consistent keepers, his future may depend heavily on Sunderland’s ability to climb out of the Championship.

Should they fall short against Frank Lampard’s Coventry City in the semi-finals, the Black Cats could face increased pressure to sell to balance the books.

Southampton’s need for a new goalkeeper stems from uncertainty surrounding Aaron Ramsdale’s future.

The five-cap England international, who Capology ESTIMATE earns £120,000 a week at St Mary's Stadium, is tipped to leave the club this summer, either permanently or on loan, as he seeks top-flight football following Saints’ drop to the second tier.

While Alex McCarthy remains under contract until 2026 and Gavin Bazunu has returned from a loan spell in Belgium after injury, Southampton appear to be in the market for a new No.1 - and Patterson fits the bill as a young, Championship-proven option.

Sunderland’s play-off push may determine Anthony Patterson’s future

Patterson’s future remains closely tied to Sunderland’s performance in the upcoming Championship play-offs.

After five straight league defeats to end the regular season, Regis Le Bris’ side must find form quickly as they prepare for a two-legged clash with Coventry City.

A trip to Wembley on May 24 - and potential promotion to the Premier League - could be decisive.

Should Sunderland fall short, Southampton may be ready to swoop for Patterson, viewing him as a long-term solution in goal as they aim for an immediate return to the top flight.