According to the latest reports, Patrick Roberts will soon join Leicester City.
The 21-year-old winger was offered in Mahrez’s cash plus player deal back in January but a move failed to materialize. However, speculations regarding his move to Leicester has persisted since and as Daily Mail claims, the Manchester City attacker will indeed move to King Power Stadium this summer.
Roberts spent the last two seasons on loan at Celtic, where he has impressed a lot. During his two year spell with the Scottish giants, Roberts made 78 appearances in which he scored 18 goals whilst providing 26 assists. His exceptional performances in the Premiership attracted the interest of several clubs in the Premier League including West Ham United.
That being said, the 21-year-old still failed to make a breakthrough into the Manchester City starting lineup, largely due to the presence of some of the most gifted talents in world football. Since joining the Sky Blues in the summer of 2015, Roberts made only three appearances for the Manchester City’s senior side.
Thus, a move out of Etihad seems like a logical move as he seeks to make an impression in the Premier League next season. And Leicester City could provide him with the perfect platform to showcase his talents.
The Foxes are coming on the back of a relatively satisfying season but could face a series of problems in the upcoming season. Riyad Mahrez’s exit will be a huge blow as the Algerian was a key figure in their success over the course of the past three seasons. In addition, the likes of Demarai Gray, Kelechi Iheanacho and even Marc Albrighton have failed to remain consistent in the past 12 months or so.
Even though the addition of Norwich City starlet James Maddison will be a huge boost, the Foxes are still in need of a reliable attacker especially with Mahrez leaving the club this summer. Therefore, the addition of Roberts definitely makes sense.
During his time with Celtic, the youngster has shown tremendous potential and it remains to be seen if he can replicate his performances in the Premier League. But one thing’s for sure, his pace and trickery on the flanks coupled with Maddison’s creativity in the final third could make Leicester an exciting attacking team next season.
