The Manchester City loanee’s 18-month spell at Celtic Park comes to an end this summer.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers admits he is planning for life without Patrick Roberts at Celtic.
Roberts has scored five goals and created another 11 for the Bhoys this season, but is scheduled for a return to parent club Manchester City at the end of the campaign.
Responding to fans at a recent Q & A session, Rodgers outlined his plans for the summer transfer window and admitted they will be influenced by whether or not the 20-year-old returns to Celtic Park.
“Whether Patrick Roberts comes back from Manchester City remains to be seen so I believe that I’ll need another winger, with real pace and power,” the Ulsterman said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
Roberts was allowed to leave City by previous boss Manuel Pellegrini in January 2016 and his only appearances in front of Pep Guardiola so far came against the Spaniard’s side in this season’s Champions League.
The former Fulham winger scored in December’s encounter at the Etihad Stadium and the chances are that Guardiola will want to get a closer look at him before making a decision on his future.
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts celebrates his goal at the Etihad
The Citizens are arguably stronger out wide than anywhere else at present, with Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Nolito and Jesus Navas all vying for places.
Rodgers also hopes to sign another centre-back and centre-forward for Celtic, but admitted his priority will be a midfield player “who can make a difference in the Champions League”.
Who should Celtic sign to replace Roberts should the winger fail to return?
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