Celtic are making progress over the potential transfer for Patrick Roberts. The Hoops have reportedly made an offer of £6.8 million for the energetic youngster. Celtic’s interest in this 20-year-old is not unknown as the Scottish club have already revealed that they want to keep the player on loan for a third season and are even were willing to pay an amount of £500,000 for his services.
Roberts had an excellent season for the Hoops and has contributed with 11 goals in 45 appearances this term. His brace against Partick Thistle showed his quality and the Scottish Champions will be more adamant to keep him at the club. Pep Guardiola is planning a squad overhaul and there is a chance that Roberts is not a part of his long-term plan.
The youngster showed his willingness when he chose to play for the Hoops in the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen over appearing for England in the U-20 World Cup recently. Celtic will try to retain the core of the squad as Brendan Rodgers will be staying for another season after guiding them to the ‘Invincibles’ title.
The Scottish Champions made this offer even more lucrative after putting on a 25% sell-on clause in the contract. Celtic will go all the way to break the bank but the Sky Blues will try to recoup some of the £12m they paid for his services.
The truth is Roberts is still a part of the City squad and Celtic have to convince the English side to have a realistic chance. First team opportunities look bleak for the youngster at the Etihad but Celtic will have to go all out for him. Buying him for £7m will be a bargain and could be more than a worthwhile expenditure.
Roberts has been excellent this season and certainly has that x-factor in him to thrive on a big occasion. Rodgers will prefer quality over quantity in the transfer market and signing him permanently should be his first deal of this summer.
Roberts has already won his second Scottish title for the Hoops and there will be room for a few more if he stays at the Parkhead. He started this season as a bit of a part player but as the campaign progressed, he proved his mettle in the domestic league, which has led to the current situation. Rodgers is looking to accomplish a long term plan and Roberts could be a vital part.
