West Brom must rival Blackburn Rovers for Birmingham City transfer | OneFootball

The Baggies could really benefit from adding Patrick Roberts to their ranks.

West Brom will be looking to build on their first Championship victory of the 2026-27 season.

The Baggies secured a 2-1 win away at Norwich City to kickstart their campaign under James Morrison, with a controversial goal from Aune Heggebo, paired with Jimmy-Jay Morgan’s stunning solo effort, ensured all three points made their way back to the Black Country.

It was a welcome win for the Baggies given their tough start on paper to the campaign, with Morrison’s men going on to host Burnley at The Hawthorns, before making a tough away trip to face fellow promotion candidates Middlesbrough.

By the time all those games are played, Albion will want to feel that they have a squad well-equipped enough to take on the rest of this relentless Championship season, with multiple positions still needing to be addressed heading into the final couple of weeks.

A position that should have the upmost priority is out on the flanks, with Albion very light for wingers following the departures of Karlan Grant and Jed Wallace this summer.

Therefore, West Brom should be eyeing up a move for a Birmingham City winger, who is currently being eyed up by Blackburn Rovers.

So for a deal to avoid slipping away, Albion must ignite their interest, with the Blues man possessing pedigree of causing damage in the Championship.

And while the Baggies still have to be shrewd with their spending despite the darkest financial clouds passing over, Albion will be hopeful that a former player will be making a move to the Championship this summer, with the Black Country outfit having a significant sell-on clause in place that could help them land their last few targets.

West Brom’s summer business so far

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To match such a positive start to the season, West Brom have been busy during the transfer window, with seven new players walking into the building to help aid James Morrison.

20-year-old French midfielder Rabby Nzingoula is the latest arrival from Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg, a player who was exclusively revealed to be of interest to the Baggies here at FLW.

Other signings have included defenders Nolan Galves, Carter Pinnington and Conor Townsend, midfielder Felix Horn Myhre, and forwards Barney Stewart and Jimmy-Jay Morgan.

Meanwhile, the Baggies have recently been linked with re-signing Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer to replace Alex Mowatt, so that’s an indication that Albion are far from done when it comes to incomings.

Patrick Roberts’ Birmingham City future in doubt

With winger options sparse at the moment, West Brom will be considering all of their options when it comes to bolstering that specific department.

But a surprise is that they haven’t recorded an interest in Birmingham City winger Patrick Roberts, who could well depart St Andrew’s on loan before the 1st September deadline.

In recent days, Blackburn Rovers have been credited with interest in securing Roberts’ signature, although Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has since quashed the rumours, admitting he doesn't expect to see the winger link up at Ewood Park before the end of the window.

Meanwhile, Blues boss Chris Davies has said Roberts remains in his plans for the upcoming season, but doubt remains about his future given he was an unused substitute during Blues’ stalemate with Sheffield United last weekend, not to mention the fact that many twists and turns can occur as the remainder of the transfer window ticks down.

Patrick Roberts’ extensive experience at Championship level

While James Morrison has looked to add a fresher and more youthful look to his West Brom side, there’s no doubt the addition of some experience where needed would benefit the group, and Patrick Roberts certainly possesses that in abundance.

Representing Fulham, Middlesbrough, Derby County, Sunderland and Birmingham City, Roberts has made over a combined 200 appearances in the second tier, while many of his 13 goals and 26 assists have come from the wand of his left foot.

West Brom should move to sign Patrick Roberts

With Tony Mowbray confirming that Blackburn are now not in for Patrick Roberts, it leaves the door ajar for West Brom to test Birmingham City’s resolve.

While Chris Davies may think at this moment in time that he wants to use Roberts, the player could well demand a move away in the final days before the deadline if his game time doesn’t improve, while a move to The Hawthorns would bound to see him get plenty of first-team opportunities and be an attractive proposition.

Particularly needing a right-sided winger, so Morrison can transition back to his flat 4-4-2 system that worked so well at the back end of last season, Roberts would be able to add a lot more directness and drive to Albion’s forward play, while adding excellent quality out wide from both deliveries and strikes on his left foot, something the club have sorely lacked since selling academy graduate Tom Fellows.

Going back to utilising wingers would also allow Mikey Johnston to get back into the fold on the left-hand side, with the Republic of Ireland international working his way back from a fractured ankle injury and demonstrating how effective he can be by having similar attributes to that of Roberts.

Having two pacey and unpredictable wingers on either side would surely give Championship defences headaches, while the improvement in quality would only benefit the frontline and allow Albion to have so much more ammunition and potency compared to last campaign.

It could well make all the difference in the Baggies getting back into promotion contention this term, so the Black Country outfit may as well go all out to see if Roberts would be keen on a brief West Midlands switch.