Celtic should revisit Rivaldo Coetzee transfer

By Connor Gordon

May 16, 2019

Celtic would have been counting themselves lucky for stopping a potential move for Rivaldo Coetzee.

The South African defender was to join Brendan Rodgers’ side in 2017 from Ajax Cape Town.

However, the international failed his medical due to a problem with his foot.

Instead, he joined Mamelodi Sundowns in his native country and has returned to fitness.

Recently playing in midfield, showing he has versatility, should Celtic revisit the move?

Celtic make right choice with Rivaldo Coetzee?

The Hoops have always needed a centre-back in every transfer window since…well forever.

Rivaldo Coetzee failed his Celtic medical in 2017. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Coetzee was the young inspiring international that fans had been praying for since Virgil van Dijk left.

Here came a man big in stature and well accomplished at a young age in his native South Africa as an international.

Hopes soon faded as a foot injury was picked up by medics before he could sign with Celtic.

His current boss Pitso Mosimane said: “We will put him on any flight in the world to get him better, he is 21 years, he can still stay two years without playing to get better, it’s very sad.”

Rivaldo Coetzee in crutches in 2017. (Photo by Jaco Marais/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Fortunately, Coetzee is back fighting fit and could be the perfect man to join the Scottish champions.

Celtic should sign Rivaldo Coetzee

If The Bhoys go back to the South African, it may not be down to them if he moves.

His dream was broken when the original transfer came to fruition.

Rivaldo Coetzee could be against a move to Celtic. (Photo by Robert Cianflone – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

What the transfer team will know is that he would favour a move to Scotland as he chose to in the past.

Price may be a stumbling block as his new team rate him highly.

Of course, there will still be worries over his fitness and how his foot is which is understandable.

If the same player Rodgers identified two years ago is still there, then the move is a no brainer.