Leicester City have not let up on signing the Manchester City youngster, Patrick Roberts as they try to include him on the Riyad Mahrez exchange. The former, who has served Celtic for the past 18 months, while out on loan is highly regarded by the Foxes. According to the proposed deal, Roberts will move to the King Power Stadium this summer for an exchange of the Algerian winger and £60m cash.
Pep Guardiola understandably is well aware of Roberts’ talents but is willing to sacrifice the 21-year-old for his immediate needs. The Mahrez trade fell through in the final day of the January transfer deadline which left the player devastated.
Now Leicester seems to come forth with a more realistic offer which could see them pack a replacement immediately. Roberts has done well during time away at Celtic.
He has racked up 18 goals in 78 total appearances along with a further 24-assist tally for the Scottish Premiership outfit. The former Fulham starlet featured heavily in the early stages of the past season under Brendan Rodgers but got sidetracked later with an unfortunate injury.
Roberts is as versatile as they come. He can play out wide and from central locations as well. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, Roberts is an agile presence who can weave his way through tight spaces to create chances for his teammates in the final third.
The Kingston-born player has been capped 47 times for the England youth sides. His chances of breaking into the City senior squad is bleak and this move should suit his needs perfectly.
However, we must take a look at the club who will actually suffer from his departure. Brendan Rodgers was supposed to be making improvements to his current squad, not lose players. With Charly Musonda also destined to return to the Stamford Bridge, here are a few players the Hoops boss should consider bringing in to replace Roberts.
Connor Mahoney
Bournemouth has not exactly been kind to the youngster’s aspirations, allowing him to feature in only 10 senior games last term. Maybe a change of pace will do him right with Eddie Howe looking the other way.
Samuel Grandsir
Capped 4 times for the France U21 side and a regular starter for Ligue 1 outfit, Troyes, Grandsir has the make for the Scottish Premiership. He appeared in 40 games last season and struck the back of the net 3 times.
According to Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old is valued at £5m.
Nikola Vlasic
Another benchwarmer who plies his trade for the ambitious Toffees. The Everton star can be a good addition for the Hoops and can give them a nice boost in the middle of the pitch.
