Released Birmingham City starlet joins top-flight club after summer transfer exit

Rico Patterson was one of 13 players that departed St Andrew's in the summer, and now the transfer window has shut, he has found a move. The 20-year-old has signed for Aberystwyth Town of the Cymru Premier, which is the top division in Wales.

Patterson has signed a six-month deal at Park Avenue, taking him up to January 2025, which is just under half the season. His move is subject to international clearance but should it go through, he could be thrown right in to the deep end, with Aberystwyth set to face league champions TNS, who have qualified for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.

Birmingham-born Patterson didn't play for the senior team, but came through the academy structure, and was the captain of their under-18s team. He would play in the same team as Jobe Bellingham and Jordan James, who have brought money in to Blues over the last few years.

For the last few months of the two-year professional deal that he signed with Birmingham, Patterson spent time out on loan at Rushall Olympic in the National League North. He was limited to just one league appearance, with three unused sub appearances.

“I’m delighted to bring Rico in from Birmingham City as an exciting talent with top pedigree,” said manager Anthony Williams to the official club website.

“Everything I’ve seen from him and the recommendations from the head of recruitment at Birmingham and others have been very positive and have identified him as a real prospect.

“He’ll come into the squad and work his way into the team to give us strength in depth in midfield and slightly further forward, and I think he’ll be an entertaining and valuable addition to our squad as he finds his feet in senior football.”