Birmingham City have been tipped to complete a permanent move for current Sunderland loanee Patrick Roberts, who has been a standout at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park since signing an initial contract on Deadline Day in September.

Blues’ performances since returning to the Championship as League One champions have been extensively analysed, with many outsiders predicting another successful season for the West Midlands side after re-signing a slew of high-profile players with the financial backing of American investment group Knighthead Capital.

Throughout the summer transfer window, 14 players arrived as permanent or loan signings in the blue half of the Second City, with Roberts joining former Sheffield United captain and experienced second-tier campaigner Jack Robinson on the final day.

A mixed first half of the season has been typified by the individual performances of those who Chris Davies believed would only strengthen Birmingham’s already competent and record-breaking squad from last season, though Roberts and his wing partner, the returning Demarai Gray, have frequently been cited as the best-performing duo on this front.

As a result, it is unsurprising that the Blues, who need a successful winter window to boost their chances, are aiming to sign Roberts on a permanent basis as soon as possible, with his contract at the Stadium of Light expiring in six months.

This is also supported by Football League World’s Birmingham City fan pundit, Jason Moore, who revealed how much money he thought the ambitious club would spend to secure the 28-year-old’s talents on a permanent basis.

£1 million price tag claim released amid possible permanent Birmingham City, Patrick Roberts talk

Within a few games, it was clear that Birmingham’s initial loan signing of Roberts had turned out to be a huge coup, with Davies aiming to change his side’s playing style.

The man who played a key role in Sunderland’s return to the Premier League from League One between 2022 and 2025 has provided the former Tottenham Hotspur assistant with a powerful outlet on the right wing, with his ex-Celtic teammate already contributing a handful of goals and assists.

The man who scored two goals and assisted eight times for the Black Cats in their play-off-winning campaign under Regis Le Bris last season saw his immediate future become a hot topic of discussion in the weeks leading up to the now-open transfer window, though Davies kept his cards close to his chest.

However, owner Tom Wagner has confirmed that plans are well underway for a permanent arrangement, telling Telegraph Sport, “We’re working really hard there.”

Moore believes Birmingham would be keen to sign the winger for around £1 million.

“From a realistic point of view, I think no more than £1m, maybe,” he told the BBC.

“I’m trying to think about it logically. Sunderland will expect a small fee, which the Blues will gladly pay.

“I also believe that for the services they’ve provided Patrick Roberts, if this is the move he wants, they will not take the bait.

“I think they’ll be happy to take it as ‘you’ve done great service for us’, this is the move he wants, and his wages are now off the books,” said the official.

“I believe no more than £1 million is reasonable, especially for someone who is 28.

“If that’s the first signing in January, then what a signing,” according to Moore. “He’s probably been the best player this season along with Demarai Gray.”

The permanent deal between Birmingham City and Patrick Roberts makes sense for all parties.

Given Roberts’ contract on Wearside expires in June, it is an arrangement that benefits all sides, with Sunderland still able to profit from the initial short-term deal he agreed to in January 2022.

Birmingham’s attacking fortunes have been varied thus far, but it is evident how important the Kingston upon Thames native has been alongside Gray and top scorer Jay Stansfield.

If an agreement is reached, it is unclear what contract term Blues, Roberts, and ownership will negotiate. However, it would also benefit the club’s future transfer ambitions by freeing up a loan position in matchday squads.