Bristol Post reporter Gregor MacGregor believes that Celtic-linked Niclas Eliasson will leave Bristol City this summer, and doesn’t believe he’ll cost much either.
The newspaper reported earlier this summer that Celtic were one of several clubs to be credited with an interest in City’s star-man. The likes of Villarreal and Lazio were also mentioned.
Celtic are in need of a new winger, and preferably one that can play on the right-side to provide competition for James Forrest. Eliasson would fit that bill, having featured in the role 28 times last season (Transfermarkt).
And it appears any interested suitors could strike lucky given the player is into the final year of his contract. Speaking in a Q&A with Bristol City fans on the Bristol Live website, MacGregor said the following:
“He’s a big talent still and also a very nice guy. I don’t think he’s in a real rush to leave. However, I can see him moving on in the next month. That’s just my opinion.
“We understand that a new contract is not out of the question but is perhaps unlikely. And what I do know is that interest in him is growing, particularly from foreign clubs, with one intermediary even contacting us for information last week.
“Given that City don’t play with wingers currently and the midfield options are so many, maybe it just suits everyone if Eliasson moves on and up the football pyramid, that City get a good fee, that it’s one less player on the bench in a congested area and Nic’s international prospects are boosted.
“Eliasson would prove an inexpensive gamble for a Premier League side. I could see (a move to) Villa happening.”
Celtic’s reported interest stretches back to January
Celtic were first linked with a move for Eliasson back in January (Daily Record), and he’s a player who really would fit the bill in terms of a tricky winger to help spur on Forrest.
The attractive part of Eliasson’s game is his versatility, however. He can also play on the left flank, and has experience of doing that with Bristol too.
He would also come to Parkhead with some decent experience under his belt at 24. He has over 100 appearances to his name in Swedish football with the likes of AIK and Falkenbergs, whilst he’s closing in on the 100 mark in terms of appearances in England with Bristol City (Transfermarkt).
No fee has been reported, but as he enters the final year of his contract, it’s Bristol’s final chance to get some sort of cash injection for him.
Celtic could provide Eliasson with the chance to compete in Europe as well as provide him with a springboard onto the international scene. The player has never been capped by Sweden, and only has one under-21 international outing to his name.
If the board are looking for decent back-up to Forrest on the cheap, Eliasson is one worth checking out further.
In other news, an English Premier League club reportedly still haven’t contacted Celtic about their star-man despite switching targets.
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