Derby County are expected to look elsewhere in the transfer market this summer despite being linked with a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson
Derby County are expected to look elsewhere in the transfer market this summer despite being linked with a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, with reports suggesting the Rams are unlikely to commit the sizeable fee required to secure his signature.
After an impressive Championship campaign that saw Derby rise from 20th place to finish eighth under John Eustace, the club are preparing for another push towards the promotion places. Missing out on the play-offs by just four points after a final-day defeat to Sheffield United was a bitter disappointment, but it also highlighted how much progress has been made at Pride Park over the past 12 months.
With the summer transfer window now open, attention has naturally turned towards potential reinforcements. One player recently linked with Derby is Sunderland shot-stopper Anthony Patterson, whose future at the Stadium of Light remains uncertain following a loan spell with Millwall during the second half of last season. Patterson is reportedly available for transfer, with Sunderland believed to value the 26-year-old at between £8 million and £10 million. However, Derby appear reluctant to enter the race.
The Rams are currently well-stocked in the goalkeeping department, with Jacob Widell Zetterstrom firmly established as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Josh Vickers provides reliable competition, while experienced backup Richard O’Donnell adds further depth and leadership to the squad. As a result, Derby’s recruitment team are understood to view other areas of the pitch as more pressing priorities heading into the new season.
Eustace is believed to be focused on strengthening his attacking options and adding greater creativity in the final third after Derby’s promotion challenge ultimately fell short. While Patterson’s pedigree and Championship experience make him an attractive option, committing a significant portion of the club’s transfer budget on a position already considered well covered is unlikely to be viewed as the best use of resources.
That stance could hand an advantage to several of Derby’s Championship rivals. Clubs including Millwall, Hull City, Coventry City and Southampton have all been credited with interest in Patterson, while other sides are monitoring developments closely as Sunderland prepare for another summer of squad restructuring.
Patterson remains one of Sunderland’s most experienced academy graduates, having made 169 senior appearances for the Black Cats and playing a key role during their rise through the divisions before losing his starting place. His successful loan spell at Millwall demonstrated that he remains a goalkeeper capable of performing at a high Championship level, ensuring there is no shortage of admirers.For Derby, though, the focus appears to be elsewhere.
Rather than spending close to £10 million on another goalkeeper, the Rams are expected to direct their resources towards strengthening positions that could make the difference between another near miss and a genuine promotion challenge next season. With expectations rising at Pride Park following Eustace’s remarkable first full campaign, every transfer decision this summer could prove crucial in determining whether Derby can finally take the next step.
