Report: Celtic interested in signing Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo Riquelme

By John Reid

March 9, 2020

Celtic are interested in signing Atletico Madrid winger Rodrigo Riquelme, according to a report.

Marca is reporting that both the Hoops and city rivals Rangers are interested in making a move for the player, who is 19.

Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The player’s contract expires at the end of the season, and the report claims that the Ibrox side have expressed an interest in signing the player after his performance against them in the recent UEFA Youth League fixture, and Celtic have also been credited with an interest.

Report claims contract negotiations are ongoing

It should also be pointed out that the report claims that contract negotiations between the player and Atletico are continuing.

Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The player has made one league first-team appearance this season, as he has mostly played for Atletico Madrid B. However, the fact that the report claims that he has a €30 million release clause shows that the Spanish side must rate the player.

Should he sign a new deal with the Spanish side, then who knows, perhaps he could sign a loan deal with Celtic. However, if Celtic were able to sign the player on a permanent basis in the summer, it would be a real coup.

The chances of that happening will depend on Riquelme signing a new deal with the Spanish club. No doubt the Hoops will be linked with plenty of players this summer, but Riquelme would certainly be an interesting signing.

Player would be better off joining Hoops

It would be even better if the Hoops were to beat their city rivals Rangers to a signing. If you were a young player, surely Celtic would appeal more, as the Hoops seem to be guaranteed at least the chance of playing in the Champions League each season, which can’t be said for the Ibrox side.

Still, only time will tell on the matter, but Riquelme would certainly be a good signing for Celtic.

Just how good a signing would Riquelme be? Is he the type of player who could take Celtic to the next level? Share your thoughts below with a comment in our new discussion forum…