Ex-Leeds United star handed quick-fire reunion after emotional parting message

Tyler Roberts is set for an early Leeds United reunion after leaving the club to join Birmingham City on Wednesday night. The forward has penned a four-year contract with the Blues, bringing an end to his six-year stay at Elland Road.

Roberts was a member of Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion-winning side in 2020 and he went on to become a regular in the Premier League under the Argentine. However, he spent last season on loan with QPR after being deemed surplus to requirements and his move to Birmingham represents the first senior exit during a summer of vast change at Elland Road.

The Wales international won’t have to wait too long to come up against his old side, though, with Leeds being Birmingham’s first visitors to St Andrew’s this season. The clash, which is still subject to change, is scheduled to take place on August 12 and Roberts will no doubt be keen to get one over his former club.

He’ll make his first return to Elland Road on New Year’s Day when Birmingham make the journey to West Yorkshire to face the Whites. The move was confirmed last night in the build-up to this morning’s fixture release and the forward took to social media to send everyone associated with Leeds a message of gratitude.

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“Dear all of Leeds United, the club that turned me from a boy to a man,” he wrote. “The club I’ve had the highest highs and the lowest lows.

“It’s time to say goodbye and let every single person involved with the club know how much love, respect and admiration I have for you. You have given me and my family some unforgettable memories.

“From arriving at 19 and learning what it was to be a professional at such a big club. To the heartbreak of missing promotion. Then the bounce back to taking the club back to where it belongs and playing over 50 times in the Premier League with you, scoring my first goals – it really has been a rollercoaster but one I would never change!

“I wish nothing but love, health, success and happiness to all the fans, players and staff of this beautiful club. See you soon.”

Roberts’ post received plenty of reaction and a few familiar names cropped up in the comments. Club captain Liam Cooper sent: “Starboy”. Sam Greenwood messaged: “All the best my mate”.

Luke Ayling sent a heartfelt message, too: “My little brother,” he wrote. “I’m going to miss you. Memories we have shared are special!”

Former Leeds men Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips also commented to wish their ex-teammate well.