Birmingham City have firmly rejected Blackburn Rovers' approach for winger Patrick Roberts, with manager Tony Mowbray insisting the player remains a Blues asset as the club eyes a strong Championship finish. The club finished the 2025 season 10th in the Championship with 64 points, recording 17 wins, 13 draws and 16 losses, and a recent form of DWWDW.
Why did Blackburn target Roberts?
Blackburn Rovers see Roberts as a proven Championship talent who could add creativity to their forward line. The former Fulham Academy graduate impressed during his time at Sunderland under Mowbray, prompting interest from the Lancashire side. His left‑foot ability to unlock low blocks makes him an attractive option for a team seeking more goal‑scoring options.
What did Birmingham say?
Head coach Tony Mowbray, speaking after Birmingham's 0‑0 draw with Sheffield United, confirmed that while the club respects Blackburn's interest, there is no intention to let the player leave. Chris Davies, the club's director of football, told BBC WM that Roberts "needs to continue and he will get his chance" and that the current squad depth, including recent signings like Carlos Vicente, means the winger remains in the plans.
How does this affect the squad?
Roberts has been an unused substitute for seven consecutive games, missing his first competitive minutes since the Easter defeat at Ipswich Town. Despite limited game time, his presence on the bench provides tactical flexibility. The arrival of right‑winger Carlos Vicente has pushed Roberts down the pecking order, but Mowbray’s past success with him suggests he could still feature if injuries or form dictate.
What’s next for Birmingham City?
With the transfer window closing soon, Birmingham City appear focused on consolidating their league position rather than making hasty moves. The club sits 31 points behind leaders Coventry, and maintaining squad stability is key to challenging for a higher finish. Should Blackburn persist, any deal would need to meet Birmingham’s valuation, ensuring the Blues retain a player capable of contributing at Championship level.
Final context
Birmingham City’s 2025 campaign ended with 57 goals scored and 56 conceded, a +1 goal difference, highlighting a balanced but improvable side. As the season progresses, the club’s ability to manage transfer speculation while keeping key players motivated will be essential for climbing the table.
