Newly-promoted Norwich City have announced the signing of Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts on a season-long loan, making him their first signing of the summer transfer window.
A club statement read:
"Norwich City are delighted to confirm that Patrick Roberts will join the Club on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City from July 1.
Roberts made his Premier League debut as a 17-year-old for Fulham back in March 2014 and joined Man City on a long-term contract a year later.
The 22-year-old winger enjoyed two and a half seasons on loan at Celtic between 2015 and 2018, scoring 18 goals in 79 matches and spent last year with Spanish side Girona, making 21 appearances.
Speaking exclusively to canaries.co.uk, Roberts said: “It’s great to have the deal done. I’ve known about the interest for a while.
“I’ve spoken to the manager [Daniel Farke] and sporting director Stuart Webber and it was clear in my mind that I wanted to come here this season.
“I had a few other offers, the same as last season. But speaking to Stuart, he said he’s been watching me for a while and he likes the way I play.
“The manager was very enthusiastic when he spoke to me. He really enjoys the way I play and that’s a big boost of confidence for me.
“It’s good to have someone in your corner to give you the belief and opportunity to play and in return I’ll give 100% to Norwich and everyone at the Club to repay that belief.”
Roberts began his career at AFC Wimbledon before moving to Fulham at the age of 13. He signed his first professional contract with the Cottagers shortly after his 17th birthday.
He played twice for Fulham in the Premier League but they suffered relegation to the Championship at the end of the 2013-14 season.
In the second-tier, Roberts played 20 times for the west London side with his last appearance for them coming in 4-2 defeat at Carrow Road back in 2015. He was sold to Man City later that summer.
He endured a terrific spell on loan at Celtic between 2015 and 2018, helping the Scottish side to the Premiership title in his first season, followed by back-to-back domestic trebles.
After spending last season with Girona, he joins the Canaries as their first summer signing in preparation for the 2019-20 Premier League season.
He continued: “I learned a little bit of Spanish [in Girona] and a lot about a different culture. It’s a different way of life and playing out there in general and they are all good things for me to experience at this age.
“Coming to another club is another step for me and hopefully I can learn from those experiences and bring them to the team at Norwich.”
Head Coach Daniel Farke said: “I’m very pleased with this signing. We made it clear that we need players with quality and good character.
“They both relate to Patrick. We have been following him for a couple of seasons. He was outstanding at Celtic but we had no chance to sign him then.
“Last season in Spain was a good experience for him. He is very skilful and down-to-earth, humble and modest.
“He is desperate to wear the yellow and green shirt and he has already proved he can play at a high level. He is a perfect fit for us.”