When it comes down to the loan market over the past few seasons, Celtic have been relatively successful.
Brendan Rodgers may not have the biggest budget available to him at The Hoops, however, the club have managed to build a number of relationships with some of Europe’s elite teams over the past few years.
Patrick Roberts and Timothy Weah are just some of the players to have joined the Scottish Premiership champions in the past and present, with both making solid contributions to the hooped green-and-white shirts.
But, who is better for Rodgers’ side?
Patrick Roberts
Manchester City’s Roberts joined Celtic on an initial 18-month loan deal in the winter of 2016, which was extended for a further season after a successful spell – which may be considered an understatement.
The winger was instrumental in helping Rodgers’ side during his time with the club, helping them to win three Scottish Premiership titles as well as a back-to-back domestic treble.
Making 79 appearances for The Bhoys, he managed to score 18 times from the wing, with 15 of those in the top-flight and provided some real attacking threat to the side leaving defences frightened at times.
The 22-year-old definitely flourished during his time at Parkhead and made a name for himself with the fans extremely quickly, but since leaving the Glaswegians, he has struggled to make an impact in Spain with Girona – where he is currently on loan.
TT Grade: A-
Timothy Weah
Weah joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain on a six-month loan deal until the end of the season this January.
And, he has started life at Celtic Park incredibly quickly and in the best possible way. The young America international has three goals in his five appearances across all competitions so far, including one assist.
Still only 18-years-old, the winger looks extremely dangerous going forward and has offered Rodgers’ side the attacking and creative threat they so badly needed in the second half of the campaign following a difficult start.
With the way Weah is currently playing, it will be annoying that he is only on a deal until the end of the season – especially if he continues to put in the same level of performances on a continuous basis.
TT Grade: A
The Verdict:
There is no doubt that both players have been outstanding for Celtic – whether that be in the past with Roberts or presently with Weah.
Both have had the ability to get the club points on their own and with the way the American teenager is currently performing, it truly appears that the sky is the limit for the youngster.
The swoop of Roberts was an excellent piece of business by Rodgers, however, he may have outdone himself with the acquisition of Weah, who wins this battle.
Celtic fans – thoughts?
