Celtic-City partnership brings Roberts to Glasgow

Very pleased we have signed Patrick Roberts (18) on loan from Manchester City for 18 months. A few quick observations on this signing:

He’s another wide attacking player. I’ve lost count of the number of wide attacking players Ronny has signed but it’s far too many. Only Stuart Armstrong has come close to making regular appearances. This means we are still short of suitable options here, so need to recruit for the position, and that we have made a number of serious oversights.

The ideal signing is a loan with an option to buy. Next is a straight purchase, then a loan without an option to buy, but the market is changing.

I mentioned last month that as a consequences of the uber-rich hoarding players (Patrick is a case in point, £12m for a player who will be peripheral for years), mastering the loan market will be a key element to enable clubs to over perform.

Celtic appear to have struck up an understanding with Manchester City, one of the richest clubs/biggest hoarders in world football. There will be rich pickings here. Such was the demand for his signature, Patrick wouldn’t be near Celtic Park unless on a loan.

Jason Denayer’s time at Celtic worked very well for Celtic, the player and City, which is why we were able to secure Patrick for 18 months. More of this kind of thing, please, Celtic.

Welcome to Celtic, Patrick.