Celtic might be running away with the Ladbrokes Premiership title at the moment but one of the key players they are set to lose in the summer is Patrick Roberts. Signed from Premier League heavyweights, Manchester City in the January transfer window of 2016, Roberts has enjoyed a highly fruitful period with the Scottish giants.
The former Fulham player has featured as many as 36 times for the Bhoys so far this campaign, scoring 5 goals and collecting 11 assists which perfectly sum up why he has been in the good books of the football fraternity. Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, he has grown as a player and has constructed a decent reputation for himself.
The upcoming summer transfer window will hold paramount importance for Rodgers and it is important that he starts looking for a replacement for the outgoing 20-year-old. One of the players the Celts should target is Manchester City’s sensational youngster, Brahim Diaz. The 17-year-old is grabbing a lot of eyeballs owing to his calibre and flair at this tender age.
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, his movement and trickery on the ball is lethal to say the least. He might not have the luxury of having the one of the fastest pair of feet but he nullifies it with control on the ball and ability to create yards of spaces for his teammates. Catering to the defensive duties is something he doesn’t refrain from doing and that makes him a complete package for any top quality side.
The Spaniard would directly slot into the position Roberts holds at the club and the replacement would be an impeccable one. Having emerged from the youth system of Malaga, he was handpicked by the Citizens in 2013 on an initial fee of £200,000 and the Spaniard does have sheer attacking flamboyance to instil his name as one of the hottest properties at the blue half of Manchester.
Diaz possesses a cutting edge, outrageous technique and tremendous athleticism. Moreover, he links up meticulously with the fellow attackers and often leaves the opponents’ defence in tatters. With a healthy pass completion rate and knack to bang in goals, he would be an ideal acquisition for Celtic.
At Celtic, Diaz should be able to not only brush up his skills but will also gather appearances at the top level. It appears to be a transfer that should interest all the parties involved and it is important that Rodgers does make a move for him in the summer.
