Italian report believes Celtic will make move for Diego Laxalt; but something's not right

By David Walton

March 29, 2021

Celtic have been tipped to sign AC Milan left-back Diego Laxalt this summer, according to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.

The source has stated that Laxalt has convinced Celtic enough for the Hoops to make a move. They’ve also speculated that discussions may be going on between the two clubs to lower his price-tag.

When Laxalt signed for the club in the summer, it was reported that he would cost a staggering €9million (£7.7m) [Sky Sports]. However, many would likely be concerned if the Hoops matched a transfer valuation of that size.

Yet even if reports from Italy believe Celtic will make their move, it just doesn’t feel right. Not when the club is still in the hunt for a new manager.

Yes Celtic have made signings like Liam Shaw without a permanent boss. But signing up an English youngster for nothing is a lot more risk-free than splashing out £7m-£8m on a Uruguayan international.

Any new signing will have to be approved by new manager

The Sunday Post reported yesterday that Celtic were going to go into transfer lockdown. That nobody would be allowed to leave without the say so of the new managerial regime. Surely, then, that has to extend to players coming in.

No manager worth his halt would accept the Celtic job if his left-back is already signed up. That would make next to no sense and handicaps the new boss when it comes to bringing in his own men.

If all departures are being dealt with by the new boss, so too should major transfer operations. After all, it could be the case that the new man isn’t too keen on Laxalt.

Diego Laxalt, Celtic full-back / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Some may say that Nick Hammond has been impressed and therefore, as head of football operations, he’s entitled to encourage a move. Whilst that has merit, you have to remember Celtic are reportedly in the hunt for a new Director of Football. Hammond’s role, if he doesn’t leave completely, will likely change drastically next season. He’s in no position to make major first-team calls at the moment.

So there are far too many reasons for Celtic not to move for Laxalt just now. As things stand, any new signings will just have to wait.

And if Celtic are indeed waiting on the new boss to have the final say on matters, that would be exactly the right thing to do.

In other news, Neil Lennon has been touted for the Ireland job by an ex-international.