Patrick Roberts has provided fans with an update on his contract situation at Sunderland.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, the winger confirmed that talks have begun over a new deal.
Patrick Roberts joined Sunderland on an initial six-month contract in January 2022, before an impressive start earned him a two-year extension after the club won promotion to the Championship.
The 26-year-old has bagged five goals and seven assists last season as he formed a mesmerising partnership with Amad Diallo, though his stats haven’t looked quite as healthy this time round as he continues to search for his first goal of the campaign.
With Roberts’ deal set to expire next summer, it was reported in the transfer window that Sunderland were yet to open talks with the former Manchester City man and there had been talk of him potentially leaving Wearside.
Roberts was the subject of a £5 million bid from Southampton in the final days of the window, however he ended up staying at Sunderland and has since continued his regular spot in the starting line-up.
While many wouldn’t have been surprised if he had looked for a ‘bigger’ adventure next year, Roberts has now reassured supporters that he wishes to commit his future 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.