Birmingham City are actively exploring the possibility of turning Patrick Roberts' loan spell into a permanent transfer this January, manager Chris Davies has strongly hinted.
Davies drops transfer hint after starring display
The revelation comes after the Sunderland loanee delivered a match-winning performance in Blues' dramatic 3-2 victory over Championship leaders Coventry City on Sunday. Roberts was instrumental, providing two crucial assists to help secure a vital three points.
Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Davies was full of praise for the 28-year-old winger and confirmed discussions are ongoing. "There's not many with more quality than him in the Championship, but he puts a shift in," Davies stated.
"I know the club are talking a lot to him around how he's feeling here and how it's going. I think he's been a really good loan signing for us so we'll see where we can go with that."
Roberts' impact and the permanent deal logic
Since arriving on loan, Roberts has firmly established himself on Birmingham's right flank. His contribution now stands at two goals and four assists from 22 Championship appearances, making him a key creative outlet for Davies's side.
A permanent move this month appears strategically sound for several reasons:
- Sunderland are understood to be willing sellers, with Roberts' contract at the Stadium of Light expiring later this year. The Black Cats do hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months, however.
- Birmingham are currently at their maximum allowance of five loan players in a matchday squad, with doubts surrounding the futures of fellow loanees Eiran Cashin and Lewis Koumas.
- Securing Roberts on a full transfer would free up a valuable loan slot for Davies to utilise in the remainder of the January transfer window.
Squad management and window implications
The potential permanent acquisition of Patrick Roberts is not just about securing a talented player, but also about smart squad management. Navigating the Championship's loan regulations is a key part of January planning, and converting his deal would offer greater flexibility.
With the window open, Birmingham City's hierarchy, led by manager Chris Davies, are now weighing up a decisive move for a player who has quickly become a fan favourite at St Andrew's.
