Carlton Palmer has urged one of Sunderland’s most promising players to join the Premier League this year.
Sunderland’s squad is filled with players who have recently been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Jack Clarke being the most highly sought after.
While Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah have sparked attention since the summer, Anthony Patterson is the most recent player to be connected with a number of elite clubs.
According to rumors, the Black Cats goalkeeper is being scouted by Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Patterson could be pursued during the January transfer window, although he is more likely to attract interest in the summer.
The 23-year-old has been a constant presence for Sunderland this season, appearing 27 times and maintaining eight clean sheets.
Patterson has spent the majority of his life with the Black Cats, having joined the academy as a child, and recently signed a new contract with his hometown club in September.
Despite his admiration for Sunderland, Carlton Palmer has advised Patterson not to turn down a transfer to the Premier League.
Palmer told Football League World: “Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp have long admired Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.”
“If their number two goalkeeper Kelleher joins Celtic, whether now or in the summer, Jurgen is expected to make a play for Patterson.
“Patterson is Sunderland’s number one, and at 23 years old, he has played over 100 league games and would not want to go on the bench, but if a club like Liverpool Football Club comes calling, you can’t say no.
“You never know; in a few years, he could be Liverpool’s number one. He’d have his chances at Liverpool, and you never know.
“I imagine Sunderland would want a lot of money for him, probably more than £1 million. Many clubs, including Leicester City, have previously attempted to entice Patterson but have proved unsuccessful. It would require a large sum, but it would be an incredible opportunity for Patterson at Liverpool.”
Will Anthony Patterson join Liverpool?
Anthony Patterson’s decision to join Liverpool would be a significant loss, but one that could be forgiven.
Liverpool is one of the world’s most powerful clubs, and possibly possesses the best goalkeeper in the world between the sticks.
Alisson is a terrific goalkeeper, and there is little doubt that Patterson would thrive as his understudy, and working under Jurgen Klopp would be even better.
Sunderland would have to pay a high amount to part ways with Patterson, but it wouldn’t surprise me if I explored making the transition.
