The Black Cats entered the 2023/24 season with different expectations than the previous one, as their exploits last season saw them finish in the play-off spots.

Sunderland fans are hoping for the same thing again this season, and while they stumbled in their first few games, they have gotten back on track in recent weeks.

The club had a very busy summer, with many incomings and outgoings, but with Amad Diallo not returning from Manchester United and Ross Stewart leaving, the pressure has shifted to other players.

Patrick Roberts is one of them. He excelled at the Stadium of Light season so much that he grabbed attention this summer.

What is the current status of Patrick Roberts at Sunderland?

Roberts has been in and out of clubs for a long time, making him one of those players who has failed to stay at a club for an extended amount of time.

However, he appears to be comfortable and playing his best football since joining the Black Cats in January 2022.

The 26-year-old was instrumental in the club’s promotion from League One and was a key member of last season’s Championship play-off team.

The winger has made 68 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and assisting on eight occasions.

But in the summer, his future came under serious doubt, as Southampton were reportedly looking to sign the winger as well as Stewart.

The Saints’ bid for the player was denied, and he remained at the Stadium of Light.

Patrick Roberts has been offered a new contract by Sunderland

Sunderland have now given Roberts a new three-year contract to stay at the club, according to Sports Illustrated.

The story goes on to say that the Black Cats haven’t given the player a raise on his existing terms, and it’s unknown if he’d accept at this point.

Sunderland are hoping to sign one of their key players, who is in the final year of his contract and appears to be in demand.

Why should Patrick Roberts sign a new contract at Sunderland?

As previously stated, Roberts may have played his finest football of his career when on the books at Sunderland.

The Black Cats took a chance on a player who had bounced from club to club and had struggled to demonstrate why he was highly regarded at the start of his career.

However, since joining Sunderland, he has really stood up to the plate and performed consistently.

Roberts appeared in 42 games last season, scoring five goals and assisting on seven others. He was a vital element of the club’s offensive line.

Last season, not only were his goals essential to the squad, but so was his all-around aggressive game. According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 1.4 shots per game and 1.4 critical passes last season.

The former Manchester City player also averaged 2.5 dribbles per game and 30.5 passes per game, with 82.1% of them being effective. His season rating on WhoScored.com was 6.99.

Based on these numbers, Roberts had his best season to date in 2022/23 – everything appeared to fall into place. He got along well with Sunderland’s front players, and manager Tony Mowbray seemed to get the most out of him since he believed in him and let him do what he does best.

Obviously, transfer speculation has slowed his progress this season, but given how he has performed since joining the club and how important he is regarded in comparison to the players who are no longer at the club, Roberts could become a firm fan favourite at the Stadium of Light if he stays and has all the ability to replace Diallo as Sunderland’s most important player if he stays.