Patrick Roberts has joined Championship side Middlesbrough until the end of the season after his loan at Norwich City was cut short.
Norwich have reached an agreement with both Manchester City and Patrick Roberts to cut short the player’s season-long loan deal. Roberts will now join Championship side Middlesbrough in search for regular game time.
Roberts joined Norwich in the summer as Manchester City hoped that he could gain some experience in the Premier League. However, he has had limited chances this season, with his last appearance coming in the 5-1 loss to Aston Villa as a substitute.
The 22-year old, however, had impressed in his previous loan spells at Celtic and Girona. And Boro manager Jonathan Woodgate would be happy to have Roberts in his squad with the club performing well in the festive season. However, Middlesbrough face some injury problems, which could lead to Roberts being involved in the first team immediately after his arrival.
Speaking following the Canaries’ New Year’s Day draw with Crystal Palace, Norwich manager Daniel Farke said: “We just want players who are greedy to work on this miracle. So it is possible players will leave us.
Welcome to the #Boro, @patrick7roberts! 👋🔴⚪️ #UTB
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 2, 2020
“There is no surprise Patrick is not happy with the lack of minutes but that is also due to the unbelievably good shape of Emi Buendia, another really good performance (against Palace), Todd Cantwell, another good goal and even to leave Onel Hernandez out with his pace is tough.”
Middlesbrough boss Woodgate spoke on a player of Roberts’ quality joining the club.
“It’s great Patrick has signed up for the club. He’s an exciting player, he wants to play games, and he has the bit between his teeth,” Woodgate told Boro’s official channels.
“He fits the mould of what we’re looking at. He’s young and hungry, and wants to do well. I’m absolutely delighted to have a player of Patrick’s calibre at this football club.”
Speaking to the Boro website after completing his move, Roberts said: “I’ve had a tough couple of months previously, so I’m glad to be here and to get started on Sunday will be good.
Straight to work 💪 @patrick7roberts @LukasNmecha #UTB pic.twitter.com/9SVQxBDSDx
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 3, 2020
“I’ve struggled during the last couple of months, so just to get some minutes in and some games [will be good]. I’m more than delighted and I’m happy to get going.
“Speaking to the manager, the coaching staff and players, they’ve been on the back of a few good wins right now so there’s good momentum.
“I think it fits me and I want to be winning games and playing football. With the players around me, I’m sure we can keep doing that.”
