Birmingham City land exciting Patrick Roberts transfer - there is one rumbling concern though | OneFootball

Birmingham City signed the Sunderland man on deadline day

Birmingham City enjoyed an impressive summer of spending following their record-breaking League One title-winning campaign.

It was announced earlier this summer that the Second City side are planning to build a new 62,000-seater stadium to replace St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as part of Tom Wagner’s Sports Quarter plan for Birmingham, which consists of a new training ground and academy facilities, plus entertainment, office, residential and retail spaces alongside the new stadium.

Wanger has made his Premier League ambitions clear since taking over Birmingham City in 2023, amplified by the sheer volume of quality players he helped recruit this summer.

Among Blues’ new additions were high-profile moves for the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Demarai Gray and Tommy Doyle. Patrick Roberts was another player who made the switch to St. Andrew’s, joining from Sunderland on a season-long loan deal — as first revealed exclusively by Football League World.

This move naturally excited Birmingham City supporters, due to the consistently high performances he has displayed for the Black Cats in previous years.

Roberts appeared in every single game for Sunderland en route to and including the Championship play-off final last term, a campaign which ended in promotion to the Premier League for Regis Le Bris’ side as the winger set up Eliezer Mayenda's second-half equaliser.

After coming through the ranks at Fulham and spending time with European giants Manchester City, the 28-year-old possesses immense technical quality that will be a real plus for Chris Davies and Co. throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

However, there may be one small aspect surrounding the player that could be a cause for concern.

Patrick Roberts’ goal output might strike fear into Birmingham City supporters

Despite brilliant performances as a creative outlet in Sunderland’s team, one drawback about Roberts has been his less-than-impressive output over the past few seasons.

In 48 appearances last term, the forward could only manage two goals. Admittedly, this was accompanied by eight assists, and the underlying numbers have long leaned in Roberts' favour, but Blues’ supporters will be hoping for more threat from the 28-year-old in the Second City

The season prior makes for even more worrying viewing for Birmingham, as Roberts failed to score in 32 second-tier appearances, contributing just two assists.

There’s no doubt that the ex-Manchester City man has got brilliant technical attributes and when allowed to combine with the likes of Jay Stansfield, Kyogo and Gray, could be a real force to be reckoned with.

However, if he isn’t managing to cap solid performances off with goals and assists, it will become increasingly difficult for Davies to justify starting Roberts when the squad is filled to the brim with talent.

Birmingham supporters will hope that their club possesses the tools to unlock the Sunderland loanee’s potential, but may be wary about his failure to turn brilliant technical ability into output.

Patrick Roberts will bring promotion experience to Birmingham City

Only time will tell whether Roberts improves his form in front of goal with Birmingham City, but the forward may have been brought to St. Andrew’s for more than just the attacking presence he brings.

Last season, the 28-year-old was an ever-present for Sunderland en route to their promotion and therefore knows what it takes to achieve a place in the Premier League.

Ultimately, that is Birmingham City’s aim and having as many operators as possible with promotion experience in the squad is extremely important for Davies.

As a result, even if Roberts doesn’t up his output tremendously, his know-how about racking up a substantial number of points across 46 games could be crucial.