Why Patrick Roberts left Sunderland to join "first choice" Birmingham City - One Celtic factor affected it | OneFootball

Patrick Roberts has revealed the reasons behind his loan switch to St Andrew’s.

It has been revealed the connection between Patrick Roberts and Chris Davies from their time at Celtic was a big reason for the winger’s move to Birmingham City on deadline day.

Roberts has linked up in the West Midlands on a season-long loan from Sunderland, determined to earn regular gametime and help contribute towards another promotion push.

The winger’s arrival was one of 14 new additions over the course of the summer transfer window, with Blues revamping their squad to deal with the challenges that the Championship season will bring between now and May.

Roberts will be a huge plus for his experience at this level, already earning a promotion on his CV with Sunderland last season and knowing what it takes to be successful in the second-tier in the modern day.

Blues fans bemoaned a lack of quality in the final third without Jay Stansfield in last week’s defeat to Leicester City, so this has the potential to take the burden off the ex-Fulham man with an alternative creative outlet that forwards can thrive off.

As the summer transfer window has now come to an end, the Sunderland Echo has revealed all the ins and outs behind Roberts’ late move to Birmingham City.

Patrick Roberts, Chris Davies Celtic connection key behind deadline day move

As per the Sunderland Echo, it has been revealed that Patrick Roberts and Chris Davies’ previous connection at Celtic was a key factor in the 28-year-old's decision to secure a move to St Andrew’s on deadline day.

Davies had been assistant manager to Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park when learning the trade of coaching, and with Roberts also at Celtic at the time, this existing connection played a pivotal role in the player’s decision to join Birmingham.

The Echo had previously reported that Roberts had rejected moves to two La Liga clubs earlier this summer, determined to fight for his place at Sunderland and make an impact on the Black Cats’ return to the Premier League.

But in recent weeks, Roberts was informed that his gametime would be very limited on Wearside due to the arrivals of Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi this summer, so the winger decided that a move away was the best opportunity to secure regular football for the remainder of the campaign.

While Roberts could have remained at Sunderland, he wasn’t keen on being sidelined during a crucial stage of his career, and the Black Cats were sympathetic towards his wish to play regularly.

Birmingham City was apparently the number one choice for Roberts, but there is reportedly still some regret on his side that he hasn’t had the chance to test himself in the Premier League after being a key cog to their rise back to the top-flight.

Patrick Roberts can be a tremendous success at Birmingham City

The cruel nature of the football business has struck again, this time with Patrick Roberts, with Sunderland believing they are better off without him in order to establish themselves as Premier League regulars.

However, someone’s loss is another’s gain, and Birmingham City have picked up an outstanding Championship asset that has proven he can do damage at this level.

The 28-year-old’s direct nature when receiving the ball, willingness to take on opposition defenders and his superb left foot to create, as well as score goals could be the difference maker to Blues having enough ammunition to push themselves towards the top end of the table.

It’s a statement signing from Blues picking up a player who was so key to Sunderland’s promotion last term, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Roberts contributing to another one with the quality he possesses.