Wrexham Complete Club-Record Transfer for Premier League Goalkeeper

The Red Dragons have completed their third signing of the summer transfer window.

Anthony Patterson has arrived for a club-record initial transfer fee. | Wrexham AFC.

Wrexham have completed the signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson for a club-record initial transfer fee on a four-year deal.

Although the official figure was undisclosed by the two clubs, Sports Illustrated understands that the Red Dragons will pay a club-record £8 million ($10.8 million) upfront, with several performance-related add-ons included on top of that. Wrexham’s previous transfer record stood at the £7.5 million ($10.1 million) they spent to sign Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town last summer, although that deal could ultimately rise to a higher figure than Patterson’s total package.

Patterson played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion from the Championship two seasons ago but fell down the pecking order following the club’s return to the Premier League. The 26-year-old joined Millwall on loan during the January transfer window and made 14 appearances as the Lions reached the playoffs.

He becomes the Welsh club’s third signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Crystal Palace defender Danny Imray and Preston North End midfielder Ben Whiteman.

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Patterson and Parkinson React to Transfer

Phil Parkinson was delighted to get the deal done. | Richard Sellers/PA Images/Getty Images

Speaking after his move to Wrexham was confirmed, Patterson said: “Wrexham really suits me in terms of what I want to do in my career, so it feels like a perfect fit.

“I’ve seen the journey the club has been on, and it’s really exciting to now be part of it. I want to play in the Premier League with Wrexham, and I think everything is in place and ready for the club to do that. I’m really looking forward to playing in front of our fans, pushing up the league and getting this football club to where it deserves to be.”

Parkinson has wanted to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper throughout the summer, with initial talks over a move for Patterson taking place at the start of the transfer window.

The Wrexham manager added: “We’re delighted to welcome Anthony to the football club. He’s a young keeper, but with a lot of experience at the Championship level, and we look forward to working with him.”

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What Does Patterson’s Move Mean for Okonkwo and Ward?

Arthur Okonkwo has entered the final year of his Wrexham contract. | Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images

The arrival of Patterson appears certain to spell the end for at least one of Wrexham’s existing goalkeepers.

Arthur Okonkwo is a fan favorite, having played a key role in two successive promotions from League Two, while the experienced Danny Ward was signed to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper a year ago. Parkinson also highly rates third-choice goalkeeper Callum Burton, who has been at the club for two years.

However, Patterson has been signed to become Wrexham’s new No. 1 and is viewed as an upgrade on the goalkeepers currently at the club.

The Sunderland goalkeeper is regarded as an excellent shot-stopper, boasting a 73.9% save percentage last season. That figure was higher than both Okonkwo (67.9%) and Ward (67.6%).

Patterson also performed better than both Wrexham goalkeepers when it came to goals prevented. He prevented 1.08 more goals than expected during his 14 Championship appearances, while Okonkwo conceded 2.09 more goals than expected based on xGOT. Ward, meanwhile, prevented 0.18 goals across his eight league appearances.

The 26-year-old also averaged more actions as a sweeper keeper than any of Wrexham’s goalkeepers last season, although he is not as dominant in the air as either Okonkwo or Ward.

When it comes to the fundamental ability to keep the ball out of the net, however, Patterson is the goalkeeper Wrexham rate highest. He is now set to be trusted as the club’s regular No. 1 when the new season gets underway.

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