The Resurgence of Patrick Roberts: From Manchester City Prospect to Sunderland Mainstay

SUNDERLAND, 02 February 2026 — In the volatile world of English football, few narratives are as compelling as the “reclamation project.” For Patrick Roberts, the journey from being labelled the ‘English Messi’ at Fulham to navigating a labyrinth of international loans has finally culminated in stability. As of early 2026, Roberts has transitioned from a nomadic talent into the creative heartbeat of Sunderland AFC, proving that career trajectories are rarely linear.

The Formative Years and the Etihad Move

Born in Kingston upon Thames, Roberts’ ascent was immediate. Emerging through the Fulham academy, his low centre of gravity and idiosyncratic dribbling style drew immediate comparisons to elite continental wingers. By the time Manchester City secured his signature in 2015 for a fee reported to be in the region of £12 million, Roberts was considered the crown jewel of English youth prospects.

However, the star-studded nature of the City squad necessitated a series of loans. While his time at Celtic remains the stuff of legend in Glasgow—where he secured multiple trophies and became a fan favourite under Brendan Rodgers—subsequent spells at Girona, Norwich City, and Troyes proved less fruitful. The “wonderkid” tag began to weigh heavy as the winger struggled for consistent minutes in top-flight environments.

Finding a Home on Wearside

The turning point for Roberts arrived with his move to Sunderland in January 2022. Initially arriving on a short-term deal, he provided the spark required to lift the Black Cats out of League One. His dramatic late goal against Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off semi-final remains one of the most iconic moments in the club’s recent history.

Evolution of Style

Under various managerial regimes at the Stadium of Light, Roberts has evolved. No longer just a touchline hugger, he has developed into a sophisticated playmaker who drifts into “half-spaces,” linking play with teammates like Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham. His statistics in the 2024/25 season highlighted a significant uptick in “progressive carries” and “key passes,” placing him among the elite creators in the Championship.

Statistical Overview: Career Milestones

The following data reflects the primary stages of Roberts’ professional career based on verified club records.

The 2025/26 Campaign: Current Standing

As we move through the second half of the 2025/26 season, Roberts remains a vital component of the Sunderland attack. His contract extension, signed in late 2023, reflected the club’s commitment to building around his technical proficiency. While injuries have occasionally hampered his momentum, his presence on the right wing continues to be the primary tactical concern for opposing defenders in the league.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Patrick Roberts’ current contract status?

Patrick Roberts is currently under contract with Sunderland AFC. He signed a long-term extension in November 2023, which was designed to keep him at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2026, with the club holding options for further extensions.

How many trophies did Patrick Roberts win at Celtic?

During his highly successful loan spells in Glasgow, Roberts won seven major honours, including three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups.

Has Patrick Roberts played for the England national team?

While Roberts represented England at every youth level from Under-16 to Under-21—winning the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2014—he has not yet received a senior cap for the Three Lions.

What is his preferred position?

Roberts is primarily a right-sided winger who prefers to cut inside onto his stronger left foot. However, in recent seasons, he has frequently been deployed as an attacking midfielder (No. 10) to utilise his vision and short-passing ability.