Now the regular 2025-26 Championship campaign has come to an end, many sides will be putting plans in place of how to attack the upcoming summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, the likes of West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur, who remain threatened with relegation down to the second tier, will have a late start on preparing for their futures, while three teams of Hull City, Southampton, Millwall and Middlesbrough will be staying put in the Championship after their play-off runs come to an end.
Down in the third tier, one of Stockport County, Stevenage, Bradford City or Bolton Wanderers will be making their way into the 24-team division, with the 2025-26 Championship line-up getting closer to being officially confirmed.
But now the majority of teams’ footballing seasons have concluded, speculation is ramping up in a number of players’ futures, with Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson included.
The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Millwall and hopeful of marking a second promotion to the Premier League on his CV after doing so with the Black Cats last term, with the Lions heading into their play-off semi-final second leg goalless on aggregate and the favourites to progress to the final by having home advantage.
But a report by the Sunderland Echo has detailed what his future could look like after he departs the Den, with a six-club Championship battle emerging for his signature, while Sunderland have set out the price they will be demanding for their shot-stopper.
Millwall, Southampton, Coventry City, West Brom, Hull City & Derby County touted for Anthony Patterson swoops
Anthony Patterson
As per a report by the Sunderland Echo, a six Championship club tussle has emerged for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
The Black Cats are believed to have placed a valuation of £8m-£10m on the 26-year-old, although there is hope on the player’s side that the club will be realistic if he is to move back to a Championship side this summer.
Will Anthony Patterson depart Sunderland this summer for such a hefty asking price, or will Sunderland have to lower it for a move to the Championship to become possible? Comment below!
Southampton are understood to be keen, but any move made by the South Coast outfit is dependent on whether Aaron Ramsdale departs the club, as the England international may be persuaded to stick around at St Mary’s, provided Tonda Eckert’s men secure an instant return to the top-flight.
With such a high asking price, Millwall are also said to be a club to watch to secure a permanent agreement, with a structured deal making a move more achievable should they go on to win promotion themselves.
Meanwhile, the report outlines that Coventry City, West Brom, Hull City and Derby County are all monitoring developments, with the quartet of clubs also interested in striking a deal this summer.
Meanwhile, if current Sunderland number one Robin Roefs elects to leave after a strong opening season showing in the Premier League, that could delay Patterson’s exit as the Black Cats would seek an ample replacement, so it remains unknown whether the goalkeeper will be able to make a swift departure from the Stadium of Light.
Anthony Patterson set to gain Sunderland exit wish
Anthony Patterson, Sunderland
After helping Sunderland to gain promotion back to the big time, the 26-year-old is bound to feel aggrieved that he wasn’t handed the opportunity to make a name for himself on one of football’s biggest stages, although Sunderland’s decision to replace him with Robin Roefs looks to have been an inspired one.
But there’s no doubt Patterson is a top shot-stopper, particularly at Championship level, and he’s proved that already by entering Millwall’s setup and cementing himself as the number one, while helping the club secure their place in the play-offs.
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