Report: 2020 Celtic target Omar Colley appears to again be a man in demand

By David Walton

March 31, 2021

Sampdoria centre-back Omar Colley appears to be a man in demand once again, according to Italian outlet Club Doria 46.

Celtic were reported to have made an enquiry back in the summer of 2020. After signing Shane Duffy on loan, it was said the Hoops were still continuing to look for defensive reinforcements. Back then, Sky Sports reported his value as standing at £10m.

Celtic didn’t move in the end and the Gambian stayed with the Serie A club. Now, over six months later, he appears to be a wanted man after reviving his career under Claudio Ranieri.

Club Doria 46 reports that many teams in England are now interested in the centre-back. Fulham, Newcastle United, and West Ham have all been linked.

However, the report also states that Sampdoria are now looking for a higher valuation than last summer. Given his renaissance this season, a figure of up to €15m (£12.76m) is now being outlined.

Omar Colley could’ve been a wise investment 12 months ago; Celtic should ponder splashing the cash again

Had we not spent the £2m loan fee on Shane Duffy and signed Colley, it would’ve been a shrewd move. Sure it may have cost us as much as £8m if you include Duffy’s fee being in our bank at the time. But we signed Chris Jullien for a reported £7m [Scottish Sun], it would hardly have been too costly.

Colley has gone on to have a superb season. With 21 appearances to his name, he’s a Serie A regular once again [Transfermarkt]. Having his talents alongside the likes of Kris Ajer and Jullien this season would’ve been ideal.

As for Ajer, we still need a replacement this summer. If the Norwegian goes for big money as we would expect, there’s no reason to think there isn’t scope to have another look. If the player is right, financing it shouldn’t be a problem. Especially given the fact the report states that they would like an offer UP TO £12.76m. That suggests there’s room for some negotiation there.

Omar Colley is a man in demand (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)

When we sign Ajer’s replacement, it needs to be someone of high quality. Preferably a player with experience who can come in and make an immediate impact. Colley fits that bill. Granted, with a contract that runs until 2025, Sampdoria have the negotiating power.

It would also depend on whether his style fits that of the new manager. That goes with any potential signing this summer given the scale of the rebuild we have on our hands.

But it’s looking more and more as if Celtic made the wrong choice in snubbing a move for Colley last season. Given the interest, this could be worth another look.

In other news, the Celtic Huddle Podcast provided an interesting update on the managerial race.