Manchester City got billions from an oil tycoon about a decade ago and ever since they’ve been able to play with the big boys of European football.
They’ve also been really good at hoarding players and jacking them around while signing the newest shinny name on the market.
The latest case of this tactic seems to be English-born midfielder, and Celtic Park favorite, Patrick Roberts. Ciytah were nice enough to loan Roberts out for the past 18 months, and by the end of his time in the Hoops, some would argue he was our best attacking option.
But, being English and part of the setup of a team from England, Roberts is a valuable commodity for his parent club. Having him in the fold (and then loaning him out) means he stays on the books and counts for that home-grown English talent that is required for Financial Fair Play rules.
What it doesn’t mean, is that City is doing what is best for the player.
It also doesn’t mean Celtic have given up on talking to the player and the club to get something done. According to a report in the Daily Record, Celtic assistant Chris Davies has opened up about the dialogue that continues between the clubs about Roberts’ future.
“They have been talking and the situation is always open to a certain extent because the transfer window is still open,” Davies said.
Rather vague, I know. But, the rest of his answer indicates just how much interest Celtic have in getting Roberts back in the fold.
"“Patrick is someone we really enjoyed working with and there is obviously always going to be home here for Patrick if that suits everybody. The exact situation for Pat and Man City will be between him and the club at the moment. All I know is we value and rate the player and I am sure that if is right for everybody then something will be done, but we can’t really control that at the moment.”"
Roberts returned to Manchester with the hope of game time in the summer to figure his place out. While he did feature, Roberts seemed to be on the fringe rather than a legit rotational player for Pep Guardiola’s team.
He came on as a sub in one match and wasn’t a massive factor in others he appeared in while City competed in the International Champions Cup in the United States.
Will City see Roberts off the books and allow him to progress in his career? Right now that doesn’t seem likely. Instead, they seem hell-bent on buying up players who play his position and jerk him around until his current deal runs out.
It would be a shame to see Roberts’ career stall out, because he’s clearly got the talent to be a useful player and a potential star for the long-term at a place like Celtic.
Personally, it is time for City to figure out where he stands in the club pecking order and either give him his blessing for a transfer or get him out on loan with an option to buy. Cityah are doing no one, least of all, Roberts, any favors by just letting him rote on the bench at best.
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Let’s hope everyone comes to their senses and a deal can be done — whether that is at Celtic or apparently Nice.