Diego Laxalt’s long-term future is something that may be discussed further down the line says Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
Laxalt is only just in the door after penning a season-long loan deal from AC Milan on transfer deadline day. The left-back’s arrival finally solved a long-lasting problem in the position as the Hoops secured competition for Greg Taylor.
However, one of the downsides to the deal is that there is no option-to-buy clause in the deal (Sky Sports deadline day blog, 05/10, 21:36). This is down to the fact that both clubs failed to agree a fee for the Uruguayan.
But even so, Lennon wasn’t in a mood to rule out any long-term stay for the Milan defender. As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Lennon said the following:
“That’s something we can discuss further down the line.
“I’m not sure there is an option to buy in the loan deal. We’ll see how things work out.”
Difficult to look beyond the 10 for now
It’s clear that any decision made on Laxalt’s future won’t come until way down the line. Lennon is leaving the door open, however, and that’s a massive plus-point considering the lack of an option-to-buy agreement.
Celtic are quite right to take a tunnel-visioned approach this season too. It’s very difficult for those with the club at heart to look beyond anything more than 10-in-a-row. Ensuring that Laxalt is here for that campaign is really all that matters for now. We can worry about 11, 12, and 13 after the 10 is wrapped up.
Yet there’s surely a desire from all parties to do a deal if all goes well. Should Laxalt show himself up positively, we know we have difficulty when it comes to not getting attached to those only at Parkhead on a temporary basis. Just look at the love Patrick Roberts received during his loan stints here.
It’s the same with Shane Duffy. He’s already making a positive impression amongst the Celtic supporters, but there’s no certainty he’ll be here beyond his loan period from Brighton.
Lennon is going to have one heck of a rebuilding job next summer even after the 10 is won (fingers crossed). We have several top players such as Kris Ajer, Odsonne Edouard, and Olivier Ntcham all heading into their final years next season too.
The fact we have such a massive job on our hands next summer shows how focused we’ve been on that massive 10-in-a-row milestone. But if we’re all celebrating come May, it’ll all be worth it.
In other news, Lennon provided an extremely promising update ahead of the Rangers clash next weekend.
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