Transfer talk surrounding Celtic-linked Brandon Soppy certainly appears to have cooled in recent weeks, but the rumour mill may soon be buzzing once again.
The Rennes right-back, who was involved in the early matches of the Ligue 1 club’s pre-season, isn’t in the matchday squad to face Lens today.
Rennes confirmed the squad that manager Bruno Genesio is using for today’s game last night. Seven defenders are named in the squad, but Soppy isn’t one of them:
This follows on from a disappointing end to pre-season for the France under-18 international. Soppy didn’t feature in any of Rennes’ three games against Getafe, Levante, and Torino to close out their warm-up fixtures.
Soppy was linked with the Hoops last month when Fabrizio Romano stated he was on Celtic’s potential target list. This also included George Baldock and Royal Antwerp’s Aurelio Buta.
Since then, transfer talk over a potential move for the France under-18 international has cooled. The same goes for Baldock, whilst it’s said Celtic have tried to sign Buta only for the player’s wage demands to get in the way [Daily Record].
Celtic-linked Brandon Soppy looks certain to go somewhere; could still be Parkhead
It certainly looks as though Soppy is away this summer. Rennes have been planning for life without him and he doesn’t look to be anywhere near his squad. There has been no news of any fresh injury concerns surrounding the player either.
Respected French outlet L’Equipe reported last month that the Ligue 1 club want €5m [£4.2m] for their right-back. No signs as of yet that Celtic have any intention of paying that.
Soppy has also been linked with Watford and Udinese [Fabrizio Romano]. However, it’s unfair to say that it looks as though the player is joining either club. As things stand, any move feels like it’s been on pause for the last several weeks.
Transfer talk has certainly cooled. Celtic appear to have been looking at other targets. However, given Buta to Parkhead seems to be proving problematic, it’s vital that the club has alternative options in place to make a move for.
Celtic’s next priority will almost certainly be the strengthening of the right-back position too. Anthony Ralston continues to operate in that area despite being of a lower quality than what’s required.
Whether that man proves to be Soppy is still up in the air. But any prospect of an extended stay with Rennes is appearing more and more unlikely.
In other news, Dundee man Paul McGowan says Celtic journey will take them “back where they belong”
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