In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Everton have identified Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson as a target. It has been stated that the Toffees are eager to get a deal done for the English custodian but could face competition from Liverpool and Manchester City in pursuit of him.
Patterson’s Impressive Form In The Championship This Season
Patterson has made a decent start to this campaign as he has put in a few impressive displays for Sunderland in the EFL Championship. The English talent has made four appearances for the English outfit this season, conceding one goal and keeping three clean sheets in league football.
The 24-year-old has done well to average 0.4 clearances and 6.4 long balls per 90 minutes in the EFL Championship. However, he needs to improve his ball distribution as he has made just 65.3% of his attempted passes in the second tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Stadium of Light will expire in the summer of 2028. Thus, it won’t be easy for the Toffees to snap him up on the cheap next year.
Should Everton Boss Sean Dyche Get Patterson On Board?
Patterson is a solid handler of the ball and can use his quick reflexes to make a few important saves for his team. He is not afraid to put his foot through the ball when needed.
Standing at 1.89m, the English goalie is a towering presence inside his penalty area but needs to find a way to improve his passing accuracy if he wants to earn regular first-team starts in top-flight football.
At 24, Patterson will only get better with each season. Therefore, it makes sense for the Toffees to get him on board when the transfer window reopens at the start of next year. The Sunderland talent would no doubt enhance the quality of Everton boss Sean Dyche’s match-day squad.
Patterson is good enough to serve as an understudy to Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park. He would serve as an upgrade to Joao Virginia who has struggled to prove his worth at the Merseyside club thus far. All in all, Everton should consider going all out to recruit Patterson next year.
