Birmingham City are actively working to secure winger Patrick Roberts on a permanent deal from Sunderland, as the January transfer window prepares to open.
Roberts Emerges as Top Priority
According to reports from The Telegraph, Blues are in discussions with the Black Cats to turn the 28-year-old's successful loan spell into a full-time arrangement. Roberts has been a standout in Birmingham's summer recruitment, delivering consistent and creative performances on the right flank throughout the first half of the season.
The former Manchester City attacker has made 19 Championship appearances so far, starting 16 of those matches. During this time, he has contributed two goals and two assists, cementing his importance to the side. Sunderland hold an option to extend his current contract until 2027, making the negotiations crucial for Birmingham's ambitions.
Wagner Outlines January Transfer Strategy
In an interview, Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner addressed the club's plans, acknowledging the challenges of the winter market. "We're working really hard there," Wagner stated. "January is always tough because the number of options that are available to you is always lower."
He confirmed the club has clear objectives, adding: "But we've got a few things that we'd like to accomplish, and areas where we think we can find additional talent to support our existing squad. We'll run hard at all of those opportunities and hopefully we'll find some ways to do even better."
Beyond securing Roberts, The Telegraph identifies three key positions as priorities for reinforcement:
- Central defence
- Midfield
- A forward
Furthermore, BirminghamLive understands that the club is also looking to strengthen at left-back.
Tom Brady's Role in Player Recruitment
Wagner also shed light on the influential role of minority owner and NFL legend Tom Brady in attracting new players to St. Andrew's. The chairman revealed that both he and Brady are personally involved in selling the club's project to potential recruits.
"Tom and I are very much engaged with prospective recruits in speaking with them about what we're trying to achieve here and our commitment to getting there," Wagner explained. "I think it's important for players that are coming on to the squad to understand what our expectations are."
He praised Brady's unique contribution, stating: "We try to make it perfectly clear how much this means to us and how involved we'll be. Tom is very good at helping to identify the right culture and establish a winning environment."
With the transfer window opening imminently, Birmingham City's hierarchy is clearly focused on a busy month of business, aiming to build a squad capable of climbing the Championship table.
