Wrexham have signed Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson in a deal that sources told ESPN could eventually break the club's transfer record.
Sources said the two clubs 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.
Wrexham confirmed Patterson's arrival on Tuesday and could feature for his new club in their Championship opener against Cardiff City on Monday.
"I've seen the journey that the Club's been on and it's really exciting to now be part of it," Patterson said as part of the club's announcement. "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."
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.
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 reunites Patterson with Phil Parkinson, who handed the goalkeeper his Sunderland debut in 2020.
"We're delighted to welcome Anthony to the Football Club," Parkinson said.
"He's a young keeper, but with a lot of experience at Championship level, and we look forward to working with him."
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.
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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.