Celtic may have only come out of the summer transfer window a few months ago, but there is always speculation concerning who the next talent will be to grace the slopes of Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers put in the hard yards alongside the Bhoys’ hierarchy to get key targets over the line, and you can’t say he isn’t reaping the rewards of the club’s due diligence amid a flying start to the season.
While Kasper Schmeichel has provided security between the sticks, Belgian midfielder Arne Engels has brought an element of start quality in the engine room alongside Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan.
Competition is rich at left-back and the striking position thanks to Alex Valle and Adam Idah, while Nicolas Kuhn has defined the definition of ‘like a new signing’ as he enjoys a breakout following a difficult first few months in Glasgow.
Despite all this, attention at Celtic will quickly move on to the next star primed to walk through the door, and Gordon Dalziel thinks he knows the ideal candidate to strengthen the ranks further.
Gordon Dalziel on the possibility of Lennon Miller to Celtic
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Dalziel believes Motherwell talent Lennon Miller could be a player worth signing for Celtic, with his potential to be a ‘top class’ player representing a worthwhile investment opportunity for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.
He explained: “I thought Brendan Rodgers was right when he said it’s the player, it’s not the club, it’s not the league and everything like that. Lennon Miller, if he keeps going the way he’s going, he’s going to be a real top-class player; we all know that.
“If I was Celtic and he fitted in with what I was going to do longer-term, I think the scenario is quite easy: come in, buy him, and loan him back out to Motherwell.”
Later, he continued: “I think you’re also buying for the future as well. The boy, everybody you talk to, everybody who’s went and watched the boy, you know his talent. Unless something really goes wrong with him, he’s going to be a top, top player.
“He’s going to be an international player, of course he is, he’s just got that talent, he’s got everything about him. He’s 18; he’s the captain of Motherwell in the semi-final of the cup against Rangers; that’s how highly this boy is thought of; I think the boy will just get stronger and stronger and stronger.
“I think in years to come when he’s at his peak, what’s he going to be worth? So you’re buying for the future as well. I’m not saying that Celtic are interested in Lennon Miller, my thing is, if they were interested in him, I think it makes perfect sense.
“Go in and get him, Motherwell make (money) out it, send the lad back to Motherwell and keep him playing football and improving.”
Lennon Miller would be a sensible signing for Celtic to make
Evaluating the long-term, Celtic will want to acquire homegrown talent that can lead the club forward over the coming years. There are few Scottish youngsters conclusively better than Miller right now.
Stat-trackers Fotmob show the 18-year-old has created 22 chances, taken 20 shots and completed ten successful dribbles this term on league duty, thriving in a new-found advanced midfield role.
His price tag could become a point of contention. Cammy Bell thinks Celtic may need to shell out up to £8 million to land Miller, but it remains to be seen if the Bhoys will make an approach for the exciting operator any time soon.
Ultimately, you pay a premium for potential in the modern day, age shouldn’t be a major feature the discussion. Miller is good enough to play for Celtic, so it is worthwhile exploring a deal.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
