Why Patrick Roberts return would be a massive January boost for Celtic
According to The Sun (h/t The Scotsman), Man City winger Patrick Roberts has been linked with a return to Celtic ahead of the January transfer window.
Roberts rejoined Middlesbrough on loan in the Championship for the 2020-21 campaign, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the Riverside Stadium. However, the former England youth international has found regular minutes hard to come by in the second tier this term, starting only 3 league fixtures so far.
The left-footed ace previously spent two-and-a-half seasons on loan at Parkhead. Roberts initially joined Celtic on loan for the second half of the 2015-16 campaign, having made his Premier League debut for Man City earlier in the season.
The former Fulham graduate eventually had his loan extended for two full terms, with his successful stint in Glasgow still very much the highlight of his career.
Roberts amassed an impressive tally of 18 goals and 26 assists in 78 appearances for Celtic in all competitions over the course of his stay in Glasgow. He was instrumental as the Hoops won three domestic titles over that period, including two trebles.
The winger established himself as a firm fan favourite at Parkhead while also managing the distinction of scoring in the group stages of the Champions League in two separate editions of the competition.
Celtic making a loan move to bring Patrick Roberts back to the club in January would be a shrewd piece of business. Neil Lennon’s side have seen their campaign fall apart on all fronts over the past two months, managing just 4 wins from their last 14 games in all competitions.
The Hoops are in dire need of some transfer spark in January to get things back on track and a proven performer like Roberts would certainly be an excellent addition to the ranks.
Celtic have struggled to cope with the injury absence of star winger James Forrest, with Lennon often relying on playmaker Ryan Christie and wing-back Jeremie Frimpong to spark provide creativity from the right flank.
However, neither player has quite been able to fill in the void left by Forrest’ injury. As a result, Celtic have often lacked that cutting-edge in their attack this season and that somewhat explains as to why they have been comfortably outscored by Rangers.
Despite the impending return of Forrest in January, the inclusion of a specialist right-winger like Roberts would certainly offer Lennon more depth and quality in that department during a crucial second half of the campaign.
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Verdict
Things haven’t quite worked out for Patrick Roberts since his departure from Celtic in 2018. The winger has endured a tough time on his subsequent loan spells at Girona, Norwich City and Middlesbrough, casting doubts over his future in the game.
However, a potential return to Parkhead in January could just be what he needs to rediscover his mojo.
The 23-year-old was a serial winner at Celtic during his previous loan spell and Lennon re-signing him in the winter window could very well be an absolute game-changer.
