“It would take a huge fee” – Pundit reacts as Liverpool eye another Sunderland’s star.

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has been linked with a move to Liverpool, according to The Sun.

This is because Scottish powerhouse Celtic has shown interest in signing Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher.

According to The Sun, Jürgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, would prefer to sign Patterson, the top player for Sunderland, should he lose Kelleher. Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic, has long been a fan of Kelleher.

With two and a half years remaining on his contract, Kelleher might leave Anfield this summer if his £20 million valuation is fulfilled, according to The Mirror. Sunderland would be in grave risk of losing Patterson to the Reds in the event of any possible move for the Irishman.

Though Patterson isn’t the first choice goalie, pundit Carlton Palmer thinks it would be tough for Patterson to decline a move to Anfield and the opportunity to play for one of the top teams in Europe.

Palmer stated to FLW that Anthony Patterson, the goalie for Sunderland, has long been admired by Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool.

“It’s thought that Jurgen would want to sign Patterson if their backup goalie, Kelleher, signs with Celtic, either now or in the summer.

“Although Patterson, at the age of 23, is the best player at Sunderland and has played in over 100 league games, he would prefer to be on the bench. However, you can’t say no to a team like Liverpool Football Club when they come calling.

“You never know, he might be Liverpool’s best player in a few years. You never know, he might get his chance at Liverpool.

“I believe Sunderland would demand a high price for him—probably more than £1 million. Many teams, including Leicester City in the past, have attempted to recruit Patterson in the past but have failed to do so. Although it would require a sizable sum, Patterson would have a fantastic opportunity at Liverpool.”

Anthony Patterson’s time at Sunderland

A native son, Patterson has spent his whole playing career with the Black Cats. He made his first-team debut for the team in an EFL Trophy match against Fleetwood in November 2020. To date, he has made 105 appearances for the squad.

During the first half of the 2021–2022 season, he was loaned to Notts County, a National League team. However, he returned to the Stadium of Light in January and was instrumental in the team’s promotion from League One, starting the play-off final against Wycome Wanderers.

Since then, Patterson hasn’t looked back and has participated in every league game for the team since February 2022, demonstrating how highly regarded he is there.

This season, Patterson has made 69 saves and stopped 1.97 goals, according to Sofascore. For the 2023–2024 season, he has an overall rating of 6.97 with a passing accuracy range of 77%.

Sunderland fans will be fervently hoping that Patterson, a highly talented young goalkeeper, stays at the Stadium of Light.

If Liverpool made a proposal for Patterson, though, nobody could be against him moving to Anfield. Sunderland should get a significant transfer price, which might then be reinvested, considering his contractual circumstances.