Liverpool could capitalise on Sunderland AFC doubts to sign summer replacement | OneFootball

The Reds could be set to have a reshuffle this summer.

Anthony Patterson's calamitous blunder against Hull City could not have come at a more fitting time, with the player coming in for scrutiny from some Sunderland supporters.

From the outside, looking in, the 24-year-old is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the English game, but many on Wearside have been calling for him to be dropped.

Patterson is not short of admirers and Liverpool are one of several clubs who could look to take advantage of his current situation, with a summer move for the shot-stopper.

Anthony Patterson has his doubters at Sunderland

Even before Patterson's decisive error against Hull, a host of Black Cats supporters had been calling for Regie Le Bris to drop him in favour of Simon Moore.

While the goalkeeper is a superb shot-stopper, many have criticised him for his lack of presence inside the area and ball-playing inability from the back.

His statistics tell you that the Wearsiders' back line has held firm this campaign, with Patterson ranking low in the league for shots faced and saves, facing 3.23 shots per game and making 2.27 saves per game.

When the 24-year-old has been tested, he has been pretty reliable, saving 68 shots from 97, giving him a save percentage of 70.10%.

Compared to James Trafford, who is considered to be the best in the division, Patterson's distribution statistics are fairly similar.

While Trafford's pass completion rate is 3% superior, Patterson trumps his compatriot in terms of long balls, scoring 1% higher.

Of course, the goalkeeper's mistake was not good enough – nor was his error late on against Leeds United but it seems he has been unnecessarily targeted by some quarters of the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool could pounce on Patterson situation

Liverpool are one club that have been linked with a move for Patterson, along with a number of other Premier League outfits, including Arsenal and Manchester City.

Arne Slot currently has a healthy situation between the sticks, with Alisson as first choice and Caoimhin Kelleher as a worthy backup option.

However, Kelleher has been strongly linked with a move away from Anfield in the past, meaning Slot will have a decision to make on his future in the summer.

If the Republic of Ireland international does depart, then Patterson provides an appealing option for the Reds for several reasons.

As an Englishman, Patterson has appeal because of Liverpool's need to include eight homegrown players within their Champions League squad.

Furthermore, they may look to capitalise on the 24-year-old's current situation at the Stadium of Light, with the goalkeeper coming in for significant stick.

It would not be the first time the clubs have done business, with Simon Mignolet and Jordan Henderson both making the switch from Wearside to Merseyside in the past.

The summer window looks set to throw up some interesting stories, with Patterson just one of a wealth of Sunderland players who are likely to be targeted.

Decisions will need to be made by the Black Cats hierarchy, but ultimately, if Patterson decides he has had enough or has his head turned by a move to the top flight, then the club are unlikely to stand in his way.

The goalkeeper has been at the club his entire playing career but will have a decision to make next summer, with scrutiny and Premier League attraction set to test his resolve.