Michael Oliver 
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As we come to the end of Patrick Roberts’ 18 month loan spell with Celtic, Brendan Rodgers will be forced to start weighing up options to replace the talented attacking midfielder in his squad.
That is, if he can’t secure his services for a second loan spell next season.
Roberts joined Manchester City in a £10m deal from Fulham in the summer of 2015 but after struggling to make his mark on the first-team squad, was sent out on an 18 month loan to Celtic which is due to expire this summer.
While Pep Guardiola has always been one to hand talented youngsters a chance throughout his managerial career, whether Roberts is afforded an opportunity at the Etihad next season remains to be seen.
Speaking about Roberts’ future to the Glasgow Evening Times, Rodgers suggests that a return to Celtic Park next season if he’s made available for loan again would be in his interest.
He said:
He’s a Manchester City player and the agreement was 18 months. He’ll go back and he’ll want to fight to see if he can get into the Manchester City squad.
They are one of superpowers now in terms of finance and squads in the game, so I’m sure he wants to go in and work with Pep Guardiola for a bit and see how all of that works out.
And then over the course of pre-season, they’ll decide what happens. Is he going to stay and be around the squad, or does he need to go out on loan again. If he does, I’m sure this will be a really attractive option to him.
He has become a winner here. He has become a man. He’ll go back thoroughly prepared to fight for a place in their squad. But if it’s not to be or his situations changes, I’m sure we’d be a great option for him.
During his time with Celtic, the 20-year-old has contributed towards 27 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions (12 goals, 15 assists), and has been an integral part of Rodgers’ unbeaten squad this season.
Fans have certainly been impressed, and will hope he returns next season if he can’t break into Guardiola’s first-team squad.
