Sunderland academy graduate Anthony Patterson has moved to Wrexham in an £8m deal.

Sunderland’s goalkeeping department - and former midfielder Dan Neil - have paid a series of glowing tributes to Anthony Patterson following his £8m move to Championship side Wrexham.

The move brings an end to Patterson’s 16-year association with the club, during which he was a key part in two promotions and made over 150 appearances for the club. Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Millwall, he has made the switch to Wrexham for an initial fee of £8 million. It’s understood that the move could bank Sunderland further funds depending on performance.

His impact during his lengthy spell on Wearside is reflected in the comments made by those he leaves behind, with his ‘unique mindset’ praised.

Patterson made one final appearance for his boyhood club during the pre-season trip of the USA, wearing the captain’s armband against his future employers in Philadelphia. In a statement, director of football Florent Ghisolfi said it was the right time for the 26-year-old to move on but hailed his contribution to the club.

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Sunderland’s head of goalkeeping, Neil Cutler, told the club website: “Anthony has a unique mindset that allows him to play without fear at any level and in any situation. He has proven time and time again that he has the ability to produce match-winning saves at crucial moments, and for me, that is a top-level asset. He also has a huge desire to play the game he loves.

“Anthony isn’t someone who is content to simply stand around - he needs the stimulus, the crowd and that matchday feeling that you simply cannot replicate through training alone. That hunger to play the game is a huge part of what makes him the goalkeeper he is. He has been an unbelievable servant to this football club and has played a huge part in our progression from League One to the Premier League.

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“I have no doubt that Wrexham are getting a goalkeeper with enormous ability, a strong mentality and a genuine desire to play and perform at the highest level. I wish Anthony nothing but the very best for the next chapter of his career. He deserves every success.”

Meanwhile, Alessandro Barcherini – assistant coach and former goalkeeping coach, added: “Coming from academy football at Stoke and Leeds I’d seen Anthony play U18 and U21 football so when I got the call to come to Sunderland I was really excited to work with him and what a pleasure it’s been. I’m so proud of everything he’s achieved and loved every minute of my time with him.”

Meanwhile, the club’s current No1 Robin Roefs described Patterson’s shot-stopping ability as ‘amazing’, Simon Moore said he was a ‘top goalkeeper’ while Melker Ellborg added: “I only got to work with Patto for a short time, but that was enough for him to show his quality and what a good goalkeeper he is.”

Patterson’s friend and former teammate and academy graduate Dan Neil, who left the club this summer and signed for Scottish giants Rangers, added: “Coming through the Academy at similar times allowed us to create an unbelievable friendship and some memories on the pitch that we both could never have dreamed of. Two player of the match performances in two play-off finals shows the huge part he has played in getting the club to its current position. An unbelievable goalkeeper and servant to SAFC but more importantly a fantastic bloke.”

Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland transfer news live blog: Florent Ghisolfi reacts as goalkeeper departs & defender exits