Birmingham City seal permanent deadline day deal for Celtic hero as 'standout' becomes a Blues star for good
The Celtic hero is one of several stars completing deals on transfer deadline day.
A Celtic favourite has completed a permanent deadline day move to English Championship side Birmingham City.
Patrick Roberts helped Sunderland out of the Championship and back to the Premier League last season but returned to the second tier this term on loan to work with ex-Hoops coach Chris Davies. At his Blues side, Roberts has been connected with other former Celtic players in Kyogo Furuhashi and Tomoki Iwata, and has now signed a permanent deal at St Andrew’s.
The permanent switch for a star who made 78 Celtic appearances and won seven trophies across his time at Parkhead has arrived prior to England’s transfer deadline of 7pm. Roberts said: "It was one of those that I was eager to get done and I'm glad it's done now.
Why has Patrick Roberts signed permanently at Birmingham City?
“We have had a good run of late, picked up some good results and it's time to kick on now for the rest of the season. To come to a club like this and start how we have started is great. I want to continue that and show the fans what I can do for the next few months and two years and hopefully get promoted.
"The signings we have brought in this January is going to really help us and bring competition to the squad and it's going to push us on in the league. It's all positive, there's good buzz around the club at the minute and I'm glad to have signed and be a permanent player."
Birmingham City’s statement adds: “Birmingham City is delighted to confirm the permanent signing of Patrick Roberts for an undisclosed fee, subject to clearance. The 28-year-old had been on a season-long loan from Sunderland, but Blues have now made the deal permanent with Roberts signing a two-and-a-half-year contract through the summer of 2028.
Sunderland on Patrick Roberts exit
“The winger has impressed during his time at St. Andrew’s at Knighthead Park, making 26 appearances for Chris Davies’ side.During that time, he has contributed four assists and three goals, with his consistent performances on the right flank being a key component in Blues’ attack.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are really pleased for Patrick. His loan spell at Birmingham City has been incredibly successful, and he has been one of the standout performers in the league. He is settled, performing, and his family are happy, and knowing this makes it the perfect way to end his time at Sunderland. Patrick believed in Sunderland when we needed him, and we believed in Patrick when he needed a home. He has been an integral part of our story, and he will always be held in high esteem by our supporters. We wish him every success for the future."
Sunderland’s club statement adds: “Sunderland AFC today confirmed the permanent departure of Patrick Roberts. After spending the first part of the season on loan at Birmingham City, the winger has finalised a long-term move to St. Andrew's for an undisclosed fee. Roberts made 147 appearances for Sunderland after joining from Manchester City in January 2022, scoring nine times and contributing 18 assists in all competitions. The 28-year-old’s name will forever be etched in Wearside history, with Roberts playing an integral role in the Club’s journey from League One to the Premier League.”