Birmingham City were active during the January transfer window as they looked to build a squad capable of pushing for promotion to the Premier League.
The Blues currently sit just two points outside the play-off places and remain firmly in the promotion race as the season progresses.
One of their key January moves was to sign Patrick Roberts permanently from Sunderland after a successful loan spell.
Patrick Roberts’ impact at Birmingham
The left-footed winger has scored three goals and provided four assists in 26 Championship appearances, operating mainly on the right flank.
While Roberts has been a useful addition in the short term, there are doubts about his long-term suitability if Birmingham secure promotion.
At 29, he has yet to establish himself as a consistent Premier League player. His limited top-flight experience just three appearances for Norwich during the 2019/20 season and Sunderland’s decision to loan him out after promotion raise questions about his ability to perform at that level.
Roberts remains a valuable Championship player, having created eight big chances and contributed solidly this season, but he may not be a long-term solution.
Birmingham’s frustration over a former academy winger
What makes the situation more frustrating for Birmingham is that they sold a winger last year who now appears to be an even bigger talent on the right flank.
The club has produced several notable academy graduates, including Jude Bellingham, Jobe Bellingham, and Jordan James, but one name that stands out is Romelle Donovan.
The 19-year-old winger left St. Andrew’s to join Brentford in early 2025, initially on loan before completing a permanent move in the summer. He cited a clearer pathway to first-team football as a key reason for his departure.
Romelle Donovan’s rise at Brentford
Donovan made ten senior appearances for Birmingham, including seven in the 2023/24 Championship season, before moving on.
Like Roberts, he is a left-footed right winger who thrives in one-v-one situations and looks to create chances through dribbling.
Since joining Brentford, Donovan has registered one goal and two assists in three U21 matches and added one assist in five first-team appearances, including two in the Premier League.
He impressed on his full debut in a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, completing four of five dribbles, creating three chances, and assisting a goal. His performances have since earned him further opportunities in Brentford’s Premier League squad.
Donovan emerging as a bigger talent than Roberts
Donovan now appears to be on the path toward becoming a Premier League regular something Roberts has yet to achieve at 29.
At just 19, the former Birmingham academy product looks to be a bigger long-term talent than Roberts, making his departure from St. Andrew’s just 12 months ago all the more frustrating for the Blues.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
