Sunderland have completed the signing of Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts. The former Celtic loanee had been on loan at French side Troyes but has cut short the deal in order to sign for the League One giants. The deal is for an initial six months as confirmed by Sunderland, who have the option to extend Roberts’ contract beyond the conclusion of the 2021/22 season.
Roberts is Sunderland’s third signing of the transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad as they push for promotion back to the Championship.
Sunderland Sign Winger Patrick Roberts
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Patrick Roberts on an initial six-month contract.
Welcome, @Patrick7Roberts! 🔴⚪
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 21, 2022
Signed With Promotion in Mind
Former £11 million man Roberts joined City from Fulham in 2015 but has managed just three senior appearances. The majority of his career has been spent on loan, with his most successful coming at Celtic. Roberts scored 18 goals in 78 appearances and won seven trophies with the Scottish giants.
While at Celtic, Brendan Rodgers, the now Leicester City manager, was full of praise for the winger saying, as quoted by es.mancity.com: “He’s been brilliant. I didn’t see a lot of Patrick before he came to Celtic but obviously, I was aware of him. But he’s a big talent.
“First of all, it’s big applause to him as a young player – he could easily have sat in at Manchester City and hoped for some game time. He’s been a joy to work with and he’s a fantastic talent.”
Since his successful time in Scotland, Roberts has struggled to replicate the same form at several clubs on loan. Spells at Girona, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Derby County, and Troyes have come and gone. His transfer to promotion chasers Sunderland gives him an excellent opportunity to show why Manchester City paid £11 million for his services.
Patrick Roberts on Signing for Sunderland
The Black Cats’ new signing told safc.com: “I can’t wait to get going. I came to the game against Sheffield Wednesday a few weeks ago to get a feel for it and it was great to watch – and something that I wanted to be part of. The fans want you to do well and work hard every matchday and that pressure and expectation is something I thrive off. I just want to do well for the people that support me and get Sunderland back to where they belong.”
Head Coach Lee Johnson Delighted to Have Added to His Squad
Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson added: “Patrick is a player that we have always kept our eyes on over the years because he really is a top talent. This is an amazing opportunity – for him and the club – to give him the love he requires at a standard whereby we think he can excel and then come with us to the next level. He thrives on the big occasion and the beauty of Sunderland is that there is a big occasion every three days. We hope that this is the place he calls home for a number of years.”
Roberts is available for selection as Sunderland host Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, January 22.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
