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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have established promotion to the Premier League as the primary target for Wrexham‘s 2026-27 campaign, continuing to invest in roster upgrades. With that goal in mind, the Red Dragons have secured the signing of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who reportedly arrives as the most expensive transfer in the club’s history.
On Tuesday, August 11, Wrexham announced the signing of Patterson, who penned a long-term contract running through June 2030. The English goalkeeper was an integral figure in Sunderland’s recent promotion to the Premier League, logging 169 career appearances for the club.
After starting 45 matches across the EFL Championship and promotion playoffs to help Sunderland reach the top flight, Patterson served as the secondary option during the 2025-26 season behind Robin Roefs. Unable to secure regular playing time in the Premier League, he spent the second half of the campaign on a six-month loan with Millwall.
A product of Sunderland’s youth academy, Patterson featured 169 times for the Black Cats, allowing 189 goals while recording 51 clean sheets. Carrying two career promotions on his resume, including one to the Premier League, he is expected to take over as the primary starter to guide Wrexham toward their first top-flight appearance.
Patterson becomes Wrexham’s record transfer acquisition
Since Reynolds and McElhenney officially completed their takeover in February 2021, their objective has centered on building a sustainable business while elevating Wrexham back into the professional leagues. While maintaining fiscal discipline in transfer spending, the Red Dragons have gradually expanded their budget, particularly heading into their second consecutive season in the EFL Championship.
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In an official club statement, Wrexham announced Patterson’s arrival “for an undisclosed fee.” However, according to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, the fee agreed upon with Sunderland is £8 million (around $10.4 million USD), setting a new franchise record for the Welsh club.
The transfer surpasses the previous record established during the 2025-26 season with the acquisition of Nathan Broadhead, when Wrexham paid £7.5 million (around $9.75 million USD) to acquire him from Ipswich Town. Ben Sheaf sits third on the club’s all-time transfer list following his £6.4 million move from Coventry City.
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