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Birmingham City were linked with several wingers before the closure of the transfer window on deadline day; however, the Blues did get some business done for this position, as they brought in Patrick Roberts while missing out on Yang Hyun-jun.
Patrick Roberts has made his thoughts clear on why he opted to join Birmingham City this season from Sunderland, while also giving us an insight into how the deal was done.
Yang Hyun-jun had been linked with Birmingham for a sustained period at the end of the summer transfer window, with the South Korean international seeming like he was set to leave Celtic, but yet he remains at the Scottish club.
Now, we have been given an insight into why the Yang Hyun-jun deal fell through and why Birmingham opted for Patrick Roberts.
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Why Birmingham City’s deal for Yang Hyun-jun collapsed
It had appeared for a sustained period of time that Birmingham would have been bringing the South Korean international into the club; however, at the last minute this did not happen.
As per information from our chief football correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis understands Birmingham City were not willing to wait for Celtic to conclude their business.
He said: “I believe that Birmingham pulled out of that one because they just weren’t willing to wait.
“Obviously Celtic did get Tounetki in, the Norwegian, but that was very late.
“So, I think the option for Birmingham was to bring Roberts in, and they couldn’t afford to wait and then be left with no options, so I think they went with Roberts just because it was there to be done and they see him as being just as good.”
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Patrick Roberts’ decision to join Birmingham City
As Birmingham City attempted to sign Patrick Roberts from Sunderland, they were not the only club interested in the winger, as Derby County were also interested, but he opted for the Blues.
As per information from our chief football correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis understands Roberts believed Birmingham was the best option.
He said: “It was the player’s decision. I’m not sure how close Derby were to a permanent deal because that’s very expensive.
“I’m not sure they would have still had the funds in place to do that because it would have been pretty big, and with his contract as well, but it was down to the player.
“Obviously, he saw Birmingham was a better option for him at this time, which again probably isn’t a huge surprise.”