Manchester City continued their home grown buying spree with the capture of Fulham teenager Patrick Roberts, aged 18, for an undisclosed fee believed to be as much as £12m.
Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of @patrick7roberts from @FulhamFC. #mcfc pic.twitter.com/Gg9pm7Kh7S
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 19, 2015
As part of the much-lauded Fulham youth team, Roberts can play across the front line with although he is generally strongest on the right flank and has plenty of pace.
He was also selected in the U17 team of the tournament after starring with three goals for England in last year’s European Championships which England won in a penalty shootout against the Dutch.
Roberts made his Fulham debut off the substitutes bench ironically against City on March 22, 2014 aged just 17 years old.
Roberts had a year left on his existing Fulham contract and had made 19 league appearances for Fulham in two seasons but submitted a written transfer request which precipitated his exit from The Cottage.
Roberts will spend the forthcoming season in the EDS team rather than being loaned out.
Roberts will be eligible to appear in City’s squad for the coming season in the Premier League and in the Champions League as a under 21 home grown player.