Sunderland star delivers message on his future for January transfer window
PATRICK ROBERTS says Sunderland do not need wholesale changes during this month’s transfer window, and is happy that the speculation over his own future appears to have disappeared.
Regis Le Bris has confirmed the Black Cats are hoping to make two or three additions before the end of the month, with Roma’s Enzo Le Fee having been lined up as a potential midfield signing.
There is a chance that some of the club’s fringe performers could move on, with Abdoullah Ba and Nazariy Rusyn topping the list of players who are available for a potential transfer.
However, Sunderland’s recruitment team are adamant they will be holding on to the club’s ‘crown jewels’, and any major incoming signings will be held over to the summer, when the Black Cats will hope to be preparing for a return to the Premier League.
Stability is one of this month’s key mantras, with Sunderland just three points off the top of the Championship table, and that sits well with Roberts, who has been a key contributor in the first half of the season.
“I think we're in a good space,” said the winger, who was part of the side that beat Portsmouth 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. “We've got a lot of young players, and everyone's having a great time.
“Maybe you get the odd one or two who leave, but that's football. I used to do that when I was on loan or younger and not involved.
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“That's part of football, but then you've also got players coming in who have a fresh idea and a different style or personality around the group. You can only see where things take you.”
In previous windows, Roberts’ future has been the subject of considerable debate. At various stages during the winger’s career, Premier League clubs have been linked with a possible move for his services, but the transfer talk has died down significantly over the last 12 months.
Roberts is contracted to the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2026, having signed his most recent contract in November 2023, with Sunderland having the option of extending the current arrangement by another 12 months.
The 27-year-old spent the first half of his career jumping around clubs on a series of short-term loan deals, but having spent the last three years with the Black Cats, he is delighted to be settled somewhere he can finally call home.
“Football's been around a long time,” said Roberts. “Transfers always happen, and I don't know where that's going to lead on that front, but I just crack on with football. I'm enjoying my football, I'm loving playing at the minute. I'm feeling good, and life is good.”
Roberts is clearly relishing being part of a Sunderland side that is being encouraged to play on the front foot by head coach Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats boss has displayed plenty of tactical flexibility since taking over last summer, but he likes his side to be positive and press aggressively high up the field, an approach which suits Roberts’ own preferred playing style.
The winger is at his best when taking on an opponent down the right-hand side, with the likes of Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Eliezer Mayenda sharing his positive approach.
“It's a very energetic, quick team,” said Roberts. “You can feel that, and you get that off the crowd. I think every game, that’s very tough to come up against, speaking as an opposition player or team.
“We do bring that energy and that sharp pace and fast and high-pressing tempo. It's different but I enjoy it.
“I've always enjoyed being on the front foot and it helps me. It helps quick twitches in my head, especially with other players. If we just finish our chances a bit more, then we will see games off like we did at the start of the year, but you can see we can do that.”
