Birmingham City backed to strike transfer agreement for Sunderland FC ace - £1m claim issued | OneFootball

Patrick Roberts could soon become a permanent member of Chris Davies' squad

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Birmingham City have been backed to pull off a permanent deal for current Sunderland loanee, Patrick Roberts, who has been a standout performer at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park since sealing an initial deal on Deadline Day in September.

Blues' performances since returning to the Championship as League One champions have been analysed at length, with many outsiders predicting another potential campaign of success for the West Midlands side after recruiting a plethora of high-profile names once more under the financial backing of American investment group, Knighthead Capital Management.

14 players arrived as permanent or loan signings in the blue half of the Second City throughout the summer transfer window, with Roberts being amongst the last of those on the final day of the aforementioned timeframe alongside former Sheffield United captain and seasoned second tier campaigner, Jack Robinson.

A mixed first half of the season has very much been epitomised by the individual performances of those who Chris Davies believed would only strengthen Birmingham's already competent and record-breaking squad from last term, although it has often been stated that Roberts and his wing partner, the returning Demarai Gray, have been the best-performing duo on this particular front.

As such, it has come as very little surprise that Blues, who are in need of a successful winter window to bolster those chances, are looking to strike a permanent deal as soon as possible, with Roberts' contract at the Stadium of Light expiring in six months' time.

This is also a standpoint backed by Football League World's Birmingham City fan pundit, Jason Moore, who stated how much money he believed the ambitious outfit would part with to secure the 28-year-old's services on a permanent basis.

£1m price-tag claim issued amid potential permanent Birmingham City, Patrick Roberts talk

It became apparent within a matter of outings that the initial loan signing of Roberts had become a major coup for Birmingham, with Davies looking to somewhat alter his side's style of play.

The man who was an integral figure in Sunderland's rise from League One back to the Premier League between 2022 and 2025 has offered the former Tottenham Hotspur assistant a strong outlet on the right flank, with his ex-Celtic colleague providing a handful of goals and assists already.

The man who posted two goals and eight assists for the Black Cats in their play-off winning campaign under Regis Le Bris last season saw his immediate future become a hot topic of discussion in the weeks leading up to the now-opened transfer window, although Davies certainly kept his cards close to his chest.

However, owner Tom Wagner has now revealed that plans are very much in place for a permanent deal to be struck, telling Telegraph Sport, “We’re working really hard there."

As such, Moore believes Birmingham would be willing to sign the winger for approximately £1m.

"From a realistic point of view, I think no more than £1m, maybe," he told FLW.

"I'm trying to think of it logically. From Sunderland's point of view, they're going to want a little bit of money, and Blues will be happy to pay that.

"I also think for the services they've given Patrick Roberts, if this is a move he wants, I feel like they will not take the mickey.

"I think they'll be happy to take it as 'you've done great service for us', this is the move he wants, and his wages are now off the books," he added.

"I think no more than £1m is fair, especially for someone who is 28.

"If that's the first signing in January, then what a signing," Moore added. "He's probably been the best player this season along with Demarai Gray."

Permanent Birmingham City, Patrick Roberts deal makes sense for all parties

Given Roberts' contract on Wearside expires in June, it is a deal which makes sense for all parties, whilst Sunderland still have the opportunity to make some form of profit on the initial short-term deal which he agreed in January 2022.

Birmingham's attacking fortunes have been mixed thus far, but it is clear how influential the Kingston upon Thames native has been alongside Gray and top scorer, Jay Stansfield.

If a deal was to be agreed, it remains to be seen what contract length will be put on the table between Blues, Roberts and the ownership. But, regardless, it is one which would be further beneficial to the club's further transfer plans, as a loan spot within matchday squads would also be freed up.