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Former England youth international Patrick Roberts became the latest signing for big-spending English Premier League side Manchester City on Sunday, costing them a reported A?5million ($5.4million).
The 18-year-old, whose fee could rise according to Press Association Sport to A?11million, joins forward Raheem Sterling, England international midfielder Fabian Delph and Turkish striker Enes Unal as City’s new recruits since UEFA freed them from the financial contraints imposed under their Financial Fair Play rules.
City announced the signing via Twitter with a picture of Roberts, who has played for England up to Under-19 level and was an integral part of the Under-17 side that won the European Championship in 2014, signing his contract but revealed no details of the deal.
Roberts handed in a transfer request
Fulham, who had hoped to retain his services but whose hand was forced when he handed in a transfer request, simultaneously announced the deal for Roberts, who was described by former Fulham manager Felix Magath as an ‘extraordinary talent’.
“The club can confirm that Patrick Roberts has joined Manchester City for an undisclosed fee. We wish him the best of luck in the future,” read ‘The Cottagers’ statement.
Roberts played 22 times for the London club since making his senior debut last year, in a 5-0 thrashing by City in the Premier League.