An update on Patrick Roberts’ contract situation at Sunderland has been given to the fans. The winger acknowledged that negotiations for a new contract have started in an interview with the Sunderland Echo.
Patrick Roberts signed a six-month contract with Sunderland in January 2022, but after the team was promoted to the Championship, he was given a two-year extension due to his stellar play.
The 26-year-old, who forged a captivating relationship with Amad Diallo last season, scored five goals and provided seven assists. However, this season, his stats haven’t looked quite as healthy as he still needs to score his first goal of the year. Roberts’ contract is slated to expire in the summer of 2022, and during the transfer season, there were rumors that Sunderland had not even begun discussions with the former Manchester City player and that he would consider leaving Wearside.
In the closing days of the transfer window, Roberts was the target of a £5 million offer from Southampton; nevertheless, he chose to remain at Sunderland, where he has since maintained a consistent starting position.
Although many wouldn’t have been shocked if Roberts had searched for a “bigger” adventure the following season, he has now reassured fans that he wants to dedicate his career to the Black Cats.
When asked about contract negotiations, Roberts told the Echo: “Yeah they have started, it was probably after the window closed. It’s hopefully getting there so we’ll see on that.
“My aim was to first get into the Championship and then get this club into the Premier League. I just want to do well for this club and give 100 per cent every time I’m on the pitch.
“I love being here, I love the fans, I love the club and can only do my best while I’m out there and show them fans why I came to this club and why they should have faith and believe in me as well as the other players who are here too.”
How important is Patrick Roberts to Sunderland?
We haven’t heard much from Patrick Roberts following the interest from Southampton, though I don’t think we would have been blamed for thinking he would have been keen on the move.
There had been previous talk of the forward feeling ‘unloved’ on Wearside, while his goal tally this season may have suggested his mind was elsewhere.
However, Roberts has actually played really well for much of the campaign – including against Leicester City midweek.
The attacker makes a huge impact from the right hand side, but has just been slightly shadowed by the presence of Jack Clarke.
Keeping Roberts would be a huge boost to Sunderland, and they definitely couldn’t afford to lose both wingers before next season.
