In a dismal transfer window, Celtic could’ve done with some good news. Instead, a former target is being courted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Because that’s just life now, isn’t it?
Romain Perraud, formerly of Paris FC, was touted as a potential Kieran Tierney replacement in 2019. Instead, Bolingoli and Taylor were signed at left-back.
Bolingoli is currently on loan at İstanbul Başakşehir. Meanwhile, Greg Taylor is battling with Uruguayan international Diego Laxalt for a first-team place.
Perraud, on the other hand, might be replacing Marcelo at Real Madrid, if Defensa Central’s exclusive is right.
According to the outlet:
“The 23-year-old Frenchman is having a spectacular season at Stade Brestois, and the Whites ‘scouts have been following him for several months to recommend him to the Blancos’ management.
“This season he has played a total of 18 games, has scored three goals and has distributed five assists. Real Madrid has him in its sights precisely because of these stats. He is also a young footballer and he still has a lot to prove.”
Le10 Sport have also reported that Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton are interested, along with RB Leipzig.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
Frustration for Celtic fans? Romain Perraud is going great guns
The tricky left-back has already spoken about how close he was to joining Celtic (Daily Record).
Having spent the 18/19 season impressing on loan at Paris FC, from OGC Nice, both the Bhoys and Stade Brest were extremely interested.
However, it was the French side who stumped up the cash for the Frenchman. In fairness to both Celtic and Nice, few could’ve predicted the impact Romain Perraud has had on the Ligue 1 side.
8 goal involvements in 18 league appearances so far from left-back is ridiculous, in the best way (Transfermarkt).
Valued at £7.20m by Transfermarkt, Perraud has made his way through the French national youth ranks, and it’s little surprise that his form is attracting high-calibre suitors.
Celtic have enjoyed some success in the French market, most notably in the cases of Odsonne Edouard and Christopher Jullien, signing from PSG and Toulouse respectively. Perraud is absolutely the kind of transfer we’d have made in 2019.
However, there’s no guarantee that the Frenchman would’ve developed in the same way at Celtic Park. He would’ve been signed primarily as a back-up to Bolingoli. Even in a hypothetical world, you can’t blame the Bhoys too much here.
However, like Lewandowksi today, Perraud might be one the Celtic faithful can debate in the future.