Celtic linked with move to sign former £5m winger, connection to club
Celtic have been cited as having an interest in re-signing Paddy Roberts. The 26-year-old is currently Sunderland. However, a report has suggested that Tony Mowbray may look to bring a new winger in should Roberts move on.
According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Roberts is attracting interest from Southampton and Celtic ahead of the final two weeks of the transfer window. It is unlikely that Brendan Rodgers will sanction a move for the player but he does know him well.
The player has had an unfortunate few seasons being loaned around by Man City. Girona, Norwich, Middlesbrough, Derby and Troyes all hosted the tricky winger for spells but Sunderland offers Roberts the first stability since leaving Celtic in 2018 after two-and-a-half years.
Roberts scored 18 goals in 79 appearances in Scotland and was very impressive under Brendan Rodgers in the Invincible season. The move to Sunderland appears to have offered Roberts the platform to play first-team football and the chance to regain confidence. The winger was involved as they missed out of promotion in the play-offs.
He had a successful two-and-a-half-year leaving with seven trophies and the adoration of the support. Roberts has business interests in Glasgow and if Celtic had made an offer, he would certainly have been keen on a return.
The likelihood is that there is little in this rumour. Celtic have moved on from Roberts and despite the promise that he showed in his time, he really has not kicked on to the next level.
Celtic are already strong in the wide areas and the re-signing of Roberts would be seen as a potential step back for the club. Notwithstanding the clear talents of Roberts, Celtic should be looking elsewhere.
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Celtic ‘line up’ transfer for Denmark U21 star Kvistgaarden
Celtic are weighing up a move for Mathias Kvistgaarden, according to a report.
Brendan Rodger is keen to add another attacking option to his first-team squad before the window closes in a little under two weeks.
The Scottish Sun claims that Denmark Under-21 forward Kvistgaarden could be the answer.
The Brondby striker is reportedly being considered by the Hoops recruitment team.
He scored ten goals in 37 appearances for the Superliga side last season.
In the four matches so far this term, he’s netted once and has two assists to his name.
Capped for his country at U18s, 19s, and 21s, he has already played alongside Matt O’Riley in the Danish international youth setup.
Kvistgaarden is contracted until 2027 at Brondby.
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed James McCarthy is set to leave Celtic this summer.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder, 32, has endured a difficult spell at the club since signing a four-year contract at Parkhead two years ago.
McCarthy has played just 27 times for Celtic since arriving in Glasgow and only featured for the first-team for 801 minutes in total.
It has been a nightmare scenario for player and club with the move simply not working out how either party would have liked or expected.
Now, McCarthy is expected to move on and find a new club with discussions between his representatives and Celtic chiefs over any “compromise” ongoing.
READ MORE: McCarthy Celtic compromise discussed as Rodgers offers Hart update
“I feel real shame for James, because growing up he was obviously a Celtic supporter,” said Rodgers.
“I saw him a lot down in the Premier League and he was a fantastic talent there both with Wigan and Everton.
“Sadly for James, a few injuries and a few niggles have curtailed his time here, so he will be looking to move on.”
