Celtic are reportedly unlikely to re-sign Patrick Roberts this summer.
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers
According to the Daily Star, Celtic do want to bring winger Patrick Roberts back to the club this summer – but will met with resistance from Manchester City.
Roberts, 20, was one of English football’s hottest properties during his time in the Fulham ranks, and he made a big-money move to Manchester City in the summer of 2015.
The winger struggled for first-team football though, and was subsequently loaned out to Celtic in January 2016, penning an 18-month deal with the Bhoys under Ronny Deila.
However, Deila lasted just a matter of months as Celtic manager after Roberts’ arrival, and he has spent this season playing and developing under Brendan Rodgers, scoring six goals in all competitions.
Roberts’ record in a Celtic shirt now stands at 12 goals in 52 games, and whilst the Daily Star report that Rodgers wants the youngster to return to Glasgow on loan again this summer, Manchester City appear to have other plans.
It’s claimed that City don’t want to loan Roberts out again, and will take him on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States to give him a chance to stake his claim for a place in Pep Guardiola’s first team.
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts shoots
The report states that, with question marks over the futures of both Nolito and Jesus Navas, Roberts has a great opportunity to push for a role in City’s squad, and challenge the likes of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling out wide.
If Roberts doesn’t quite make the grade, Celtic would no doubt welcome him back to the club with open arms – and their strong relationship with City may well put them at the front of the queue should Guardiola eventually decide to send Roberts out on loan again.
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