Bologna sporting director Walter Sabatini has confirmed that Aaron Hickey won’t be signing for Celtic – stating that he will “100%” remain with the Serie A club this season.
Hickey has consistently been linked with the Hoops over the last several weeks. The latest being that the Hoops were said to have bid £3.5m for the left-back [Scottish Sun].
Over the last week, Fiorentina have also reportedly come into the mix for his signature [La Nazione, print edition, 07/07, page 67]. As of yet, however, Hickey has remained with Bologna ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
And the Serie A club have absolutely no interest in doing a deal as Sabatini confirmed he’ll stay where he is for the foreseeable.
As quoted by the Sunday Post [print edition, post-match supplement, 11/07, page 11], Sabatini said: “Hickey is a Bologna player, and despite the interest of many clubs, he will 100% remain here.
“Last season was a short one for him because of injury but he has already shown us the great qualities he possesses as a player. Bologna are betting a lot on him, and he stays with us.”
Aaron Hickey to Celtic appears to be dead
So it looks as though Celtic can put a cross through this one. If Bologna are itching to keep him, and taking into account his long-term contract, then it’s difficult to see what else the Hoops can do.
It always seemed a touch odd as to why Hickey would be available in the first place. He was a regular in the senior side before his shoulder injury ruled him out of action.
It would be different if Hickey had struggled to adapt to Italian football and had made no progress during his debut campaign. But there’s nothing to suggest the former Hearts starlet has been poor enough for Bologna to want to sell.
He’s now back and ready to get going again. Considering the £1.5m spent on him [BBC], Bologna will want to see that investment repaid in performances.
As for Celtic, we simply move on. Left-back isn’t one of the major concerns at the moment. Not with Greg Taylor fit and available to play in the upcoming UEFA Champions League tie against Midtjylland.
It’s an area the Hoops will need to deal with at some stage. For now? There are bigger concerns.
In other news: FIRST glimpse of Mikey Johnston this summer offers hope for Celtic
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