Celtic’s hunt for a left-back is set to be a running theme of the transfer window between now and the deadline next Friday.
Greg Taylor remains Brendan Rodgers’ only senior option in the position. He is also entering the final year of his deal at the club, with his contract situation still unresolved.
Supporters have been desperate to see bodies added to the area during the summer. However, links between the Bhoys and Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Hugo Bueno went cold following initial contact over a loan deal.
Liverpool’s Owen Beck remains of interest to Celtic. The Reds are open to sanctioning a permanent sale or a loan deal for the Welshman, and a slew of EFL clubs, including Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United, are also in the hunt for his signature.
Andy Walker has given his verdict on where the former Dundee loanee would fit into the squad and why the market offers value across the board.
Andy Walker on Owen Beck and value in the market
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, Walker has pitted Beck against the example of Didier Agathe to illustrate why there is value in market, even if said players don’t have a wealth of experience in playing for an established side.
He explained: “It would just be another option, and then it remains to be seen. I don’t think you can ever tell about a player when they’re signed for a small fee and they come in and they play alongside much better players than they’re used to.
“I’ll always go back to the likes of Didier Agathe, who was a striker. I saw him play for Raith Rovers, play for Hibs, and Celtic got him for £50,000, but he didn’t play as a striker. He played as a wingback, and he was outstanding.”
“That’s maybe one word you could use to describe his time at Celtic. Electrifying pace and yet someone that you got for £50,000. Scottish football is dominated by deals like that and you can get absolute gems for very little.
“But, given the way that Celtic have made money over the last number of years, you would expect them to take an extra step and get that proven quality that I think everyone’s looking for.”
Celtic need to make inroads in the market
Celtic, like many clubs, will have several irons in the fire at this point. Don’t believe everything you read; there is a good chance interest in some players may have stopped at an initial evaluation.
Nevertheless, they must start progressing with genuine targets before too long. Talks are ongoing with LAFC to sign Mateutz Bosugz, which is an encouraging sign, at least.
However, the Major League Soccer side are unlikely to sanction any exit before next week, and he is viewed as a ‘major asset’ that could cost more than £8 million.
Many other individuals, including Beck, are on their radar, and supporters expect reinforcements across several positions. Now, it is up to Celtic to prove they have the mettle to complete deals and satisfy their demands.
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