Reported Celtic target Rakeem Harper has received mixed reviews from English supporters in recent times.
The defender was reported to be interesting Celtic earlier in the week (Daily Record). The Hoops have apparently had him watched, and the midfielder was also at Parkhead last Sunday to watch Celtic overcome Hearts.
Harper has had quite the breakthrough season at the Hawthorns too. He’s made 23 appearances for the Baggies this year. That’s come after being out on loan at Blackburn last season.
But despite that, reaction to his departure hasn’t exactly been one of extreme disappointment from West Brom supporters. Speaking about their midfield star on Twitter, there are some real mixed reactions from fans who know him well.
https://twitter.com/BobbyDidASamba/status/1128413833557680135
https://twitter.com/GarsideNik/status/1130856603245113345
https://twitter.com/Baggieboy1878/status/1129804387348561921
https://twitter.com/MattRowley83/status/1130920436043329536
The general consensus
There seems to be widespread agreement that at the end of the day, Harper has talent. He clearly isn’t the finished article, but there must be something there that Neil Lennon likes.
This deal could take some time to get over the line if the club continue to wait in the appointment of a new manager. But, it’s also worth remembering that we aren’t the only club reported to be in for the West Brom. Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City are also apparently keen (Daily Record).
You also have to question where Harper fits into things at Parkhead. Labeling him as one for the future doesn’t seem like something a player of his experience would enjoy. After all, if he’s playing fairly regularly in the Championship for West Brom, so why would he come here and play development games?
But if he was to make the jump up to the Celtic first-team, chances would be limited. The central-midfield positions at Celtic Park are by far the most competitive places in the squad. Some trimming of the fat would surely have to occur before we took Harper on.
The likes of Nir Bitton, Eboue Kouassi, and Youssouf Mulumbu aren’t anywhere near first-choice. If Celtic could move one or two of those three on, perhaps there would be more room to accommodate Harper. But Celtic must keep an eye on their wage-bill. We already have a bloated enough squad as it is.
It’s going to be a hectic summer of comings and goings. It remains to be seen if Harper is one of them.
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