Jose Cifuentes to Celtic has reportedly taken a blow, with Manchester City apparently making a move for the midfielder.
According to the Daily Record, the news coming from South America is that Cifuentes has had a formal offer put in for him by the Citizens. A deal could apparently be agreed within 24 hours, so Celtic would have to act quickly.
There are no murmurings of a fee as of yet. Cifuentes is currently on loan at America de Quito, but his club, Universidad Catolica del Ecuador could be set to come to an agreement with the Premier League giants.
There have been no follow-up reports of Celtic making a move. Neil Lennon has previously stated that the midfielder was on the club’s radar (Scottish Sun). Yet, despite that, a move hasn’t been made for his services.
Cifuentes also came out last week and stated how much he wants to play in Europe (Football Scotland). Celtic could provide him with that opportunity to a greater extent than Man City can. First-team chances, it goes without saying, would be much more obtainable at Parkhead.
The more relaxed work permit rules in Scotland should still hold an advantage for us if we make a move. But, in truth, there’s nothing to be too worried about if it doesn’t come about.
Jose Cifuentes to Celtic could still happen even if we fail to land him
It will be interesting to see, if a deal comes off, whether Celtic look for a loan deal for the midfielder. Daniel Arzani is currently at Parkhead on a two-year loan from City. It’s fair to say Cifuentes will need first-team football to keep him developing.
If we miss out on his services permanently, it could be an idea to do a similar long-term agreement to take him off. Top players such as Moussa Dembele and Virgil Van Dijk tend not to stay longer in places like Glasgow for more than two years in any case. If we want Cifuentes enough, the question should be asked of City if they nab him.
It also doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that first-team opportunities will be hard to come by for him next season, should he head to England. Considering our past history with City in doing deals for Arzani and Patrick Roberts, that could be one potential option if we want him enough.
It may be the case that Celtic aren’t even interested in the Ecuador under-20 star anymore. That will be made clear if we try and rival City for him or not.
But just because he may not sign permanently, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve no chance of seeing him at Parkhead.
Lennon is still searching for that attacking midfielder he’s been after this summer. Romaine Sawyers has moved to West Brom, leaving us with no fresh reported targets in recent times.
Could Cifuentes be the man? He may very well be, but Celtic’s next course of action in this story will tell us of their intentions.
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