Wrexham are set to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson in a deal that could eventually break the club’s transfer record, sources have told ESPN.
Sources said the two clubs have agreed a significant fee for Patterson, with the final value of the deal dependent on add-ons. If those are triggered, the transfer could exceed other deals — like the one that brought Nathan Broadhead to Wales, which will reach £10 million ($13.50 million) if clauses are met.
Patterson is set to undergo a medical before completing the move and could feature for his new club in their Championship opener against Cardiff City on Monday.
The 26-year-old came through Sunderland’s academy and established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper during their promotion from League One in 2022, before playing a key role as the club made it to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2025.
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However, he lost his place following the arrival of Robin Roefs and made just one appearance for Sunderland during the first half of last season before joining Millwall on loan in February. Patterson made 14 Championship appearances during his spell at The Den.
A move to Wrexham would reunite Patterson with Phil Parkinson, who handed the goalkeeper his Sunderland debut in 2020.
Patterson would add further competition in goal for Wrexham, but could be a long-term replacement for Arthur Okonkwo and Danny Ward, who are both in the final years of their respective contracts.
Wrexham have already added Danny Imray from Crystal Palace and Ben Whiteman from Preston North End this summer as they prepare for another season in the Championship.
Parkinson’s side finished seventh last season, narrowly missing out on the playoffs as their run of three successive promotions came to an end.
Patterson’s arrival would represent another significant investment from Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac as the club target promotion to the Premier League.
