Birmingham City Complete Permanent Signing of Sunderland Promotion Hero
Birmingham City have successfully finalised a permanent transfer for winger Patrick Roberts from Sunderland, securing his signature just before the transfer deadline. The 28-year-old, who was previously on loan at St Andrew's, has now committed his future to the Blues with a two-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2028.
Roberts' Impact and Manager's Delight
Patrick Roberts has already made a significant impression during his loan spell at Birmingham City this season, contributing three goals and four assists in 25 Championship appearances. His performances have clearly convinced the club's hierarchy to make the move permanent.
Blues manager Chris Davies had previously expressed his desire to keep Roberts at the club, stating: "We are looking at that. I know those conversations are taking place and we are hopeful, but there are a few parts of that that have to work. That would be ideal." Davies' wish has now been granted, much to the delight of Birmingham supporters who had grown fond of the talented winger during his loan period.
Sunderland's Winger Reshuffle Continues
While Birmingham celebrate their new permanent acquisition, Sunderland continue their own transfer business with several winger deals in progress. The Black Cats are reportedly close to losing Simon Adingra, who is on the verge of joining AS Monaco on a loan-to-buy arrangement just seven months after his £21 million arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Simultaneously, Sunderland are working to bring in Anderlecht winger Nilson Angulo, with reports suggesting a deal worth £15 million plus £2.5 million in performance-related add-ons is nearing completion. The 22-year-old Ecuadorian has attracted attention from several clubs, including reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, after registering six goals and seven assists in 22 Jupiler Pro League games this season.
Birmingham's Defensive Reinforcement Plans
Birmingham City's transfer activity appears far from complete, with the club reportedly closing in on defensive reinforcement. According to emerging reports, the Blues have reached an agreement to sign former Nottingham Forest and Coventry City defender Jonathan Panzo from Portuguese side Rio Ave.
The 24-year-old left-footed centre-half would address a long-standing need in Chris Davies' squad. Panzo began his senior career at Monaco before establishing himself at Dijon, where he made 26 appearances. After joining Nottingham Forest in 2022, he found limited opportunities at the City Ground, making just one senior appearance before embarking on several loan spells.
His most successful period came during the 2022/23 campaign with Coventry City, where he impressed Championship observers. After less productive loan moves to Cardiff City and Standard Liege, Panzo settled at Rio Ave, initially on loan before making the move permanent last summer. Now, the former England Under-21 international could be set for a swift return to English football if the Birmingham rumours prove accurate.
This flurry of deadline day activity demonstrates both clubs' determination to strengthen their squads as they pursue their respective Championship objectives. Birmingham's permanent capture of Roberts represents a significant coup, while Sunderland's winger reshuffle suggests strategic planning for the remainder of the season.
