Celtic are playing the long-game with Patrick Roberts, but it might just be the best approach to ensure that a player the fans (and Kieran Tierney, let's be honest) fell in love with last season remains at the club long term.
After spending the last 18 months on loan at the Glasgow club, Roberts grew as a player and became a big part of Brendan Rodgers' side as they demolished all put before them in Scotland last season, so once the agreement with Man City had expired, many of the club's fans were hoping to see a move for a permanent deal.
That was always going to be awkward with a club like Man City, as despite the fact Roberts knew he would not be breaking into the first-team this season, he still has aspirations to play for one of the biggest clubs in England. Likewise, City had noticed the strides forward he took in Glasgow and didn't want to lose him, but as 'Agent Tierney' admitted he was trying to convince his pal to come back, it was clear Celtic wanted Roberts to return.
BBC Scotland have today confirmed that Roberts will be back, and it's another loan deal as City do not want to let him go permanently:
Patrick Roberts should complete a one-year loan move to Celtic next week, BBC Scotland has learned.
The 20-year-old winger spent 18 months with Celtic before moving back to parent club Manchester City at the end of last season.
He has turned down potential moves to Nice and Southampton to make a return to Glasgow.
The suggestion that he rejected loan moves to Ligue 1 and the Premier League is telling if indeed true.
It may be just a loan initially, but it seems clear that Celtic are hoping Roberts will enjoy another successful season both individually and as part of the team, fall even deeper in love with the supporters (and Kieran Tierney), and realise that Parkhead is his home so that next year when they go back to the negotiating table with City, it's an easier play. Either that or they could just loan him every year until he retires, who knows?
It's a classic Football Manager tactic - Lavishing praise on a loan player so that you emerge in his list of 'favoured personnel' and then when his contract winds down he wants to join your club on a permanent deal.
Celtic have had to wait, and be patient, but if Roberts enjoys a similar season to the one he did last time out, Celtic could get him on a cut-price deal next summer depending on how City grow without him. All that's certain is that Celtic fans can look forward to at least one more season of Patrick Roberts.
