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Tom Hamilton
Multiple Authors
Wrexham has secured the signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, with reports suggesting the transfer could potentially set a new club record.
The two clubs have reportedly agreed on a substantial fee for Patterson, with the total amount influenced by performance-related add-ons. If certain conditions are met, this transfer may surpass previous ones, such as the deal that brought Nathan Broadhead to Wales, which could total £10 million ($13.50 million).
Wrexham announced Patterson’s signing on Tuesday, and he may make his debut in the upcoming Championship match against Cardiff City on Monday.
“I’ve observed the Club’s journey and I’m thrilled to now be a part of it,” Patterson stated in the club’s announcement. “My goal is to help Wrexham reach the Premier League, and I believe we have everything necessary to achieve that.”
“I’m excited about playing in front of our supporters, climbing the league, and bringing this Football Club to where it truly belongs.”
The 26-year-old academy product from Sunderland had a breakout season as the primary goalkeeper during their promotion from League One in 2022 and was instrumental in their playoff advancement to the Premier League in 2025.
However, he faced tough competition and lost his starting position with the signing of Robin Roefs, making only one appearance for Sunderland in the first half of the previous season before going on loan to Millwall in February, where he made 14 Championship appearances.
Patterson’s move to Wrexham reunites him with Phil Parkinson, who gave him his debut at Sunderland in 2020.
“We are thrilled to have Anthony join the Football Club,” Parkinson expressed. “He’s a young goalkeeper with valuable Championship experience, and we look forward to working with him.”
This acquisition adds competition for the goalkeeper position at Wrexham and could serve as a long-term replacement for Arthur Okonkwo and Danny Ward, both of whom are in the final year of their contracts.
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Wrexham has also bolstered their squad this summer by adding Danny Imray from Crystal Palace and Ben Whiteman from Preston North End as they gear up for another season in the Championship.
Last season, Parkinson’s side finished seventh, falling just short of the playoff spots, which ended their remarkable streak of three consecutive promotions.
Patterson’s transfer marks yet another significant investment from club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as Wrexham aims for Premier League promotion.