Does Jonny Hayes deal signal end of hope for Patrick Roberts at Celtic?
Celtic have their first signing of the offseason, with veteran right wing Jonny Hayes coming from Aberdeen. He cost Celtic a reported £1.3 million and a year-long loan of striker Ryan Christie.
It’s the first bit of movement from the club besides being sellers this offseason, and it is a nice bit of cover. However, there’s no denying that Celtic’s biggest wish is to have its star right winger of last season, Patrick Roberts, back in the fold.
The club has been in protracted talks about Roberts’ future, and the club has made it abundantly clear they want him back in the Hoops. But, with Hayes’ signing, one has to wonder if it signals the end of the pursuit of Roberts’ on a permanent deal?
It is hard not to believe that the signing shows us any other sign than that a Roberts deal isn’t likely coming. After all, Celtic have the cover needed at the position in James Forrest if Roberts was indeed staying at Parkhead.
Celtic simply aren’t going to spend £1.3 million on a player to back up Roberts, who is likely to cost a pretty penny himself in any alleged deal. Hayes is manager Brendan Rodgers’ pick to replace Roberts.
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There also seems to be a sense of disappointment in this move by some. But, Hayes is no slouch on the domestic level. He has been in the four-man list for PFA Player of the Year over the last two seasons after all.
While Celtic aren’t likely looking at him as more than a few year project at right midfield, that’s all they really need at the moment.
Let us not forget that that there is a bumper crop of youth players still making their way towards the first team. That kind of challenge should be good for them in the coming year or two.
Youngester Michael Johnston made his first team debut earlier this year in place of Scott Sinclair and did well over his first 60 minutes. He seems to be a player that could apply his skills on either wing in the coming years, singing a three-year deal with the Bhoys after his debut match.
Simply put, Celtic went for it with Patrick Roberts and it seems very unlikely that deal is happening. But, getting Hayes is one decent conciliation prize if you ask me.
The shame is the Hayes likely isn’t the player to put Celtic over the edge on the European stage at this point in his career. Roberts looked that part as the season went on in 2016/17, but he’s off to Manchester City and Hayes will get the magic touch that is Rodgers’ training sessions this offseason.
Additionally, the fringe of Celtic’s squad appear to be changing as well. The same Express report noted that Scott Allan and Saidy Janko are likely to leave the club.
The report has Allan moving to Dundee, while Janko has been linked with a move south to English Championship side Bristol City. It makes sense, as Janko spent last season on loan at Barnsley.