Report: Celtic make move to sign Aaron Hickey; £3m launched

By David Walton

June 23, 2021

Celtic have made their move to sign Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, according to journalist Nicolo Schira.

Schira reported to his 142k Twitter followers that the Hoops had made a move for the left-back. He’s claimed that Celtic have offered €3.5m (£3m) for the former Hearts starlet’s services.

The Scottish Sun reported earlier this summer that Hickey would cost as much as £4m. However, it remains to be seen whether Serie A side Bologna are tempted to sell.

Hickey has only been in Italy for a year. He only managed to make 12 appearances for the club this season [Transfermarkt]. It’s worth remembering, however, that this was due to a shoulder injury he would eventually need surgery for [BBC].

The young Scottish left-back was asked to comment on the Celtic speculation as recently as Monday. Speaking on the Scottish HQ show on YouTube, Hickey said: “Well I am fully aware that there has been interest. I can see it all – but I have just got to keep my head down and keep my full focus on Bologna just now.”

Celtic signing Aaron Hickey would be a popular move, but more pressing concerns remain

Hickey to Celtic would make sense. He’s a promising young left-back with incredible scope for improvement. He’s a well-known Celtic supporter, and is someone who has been on the club’s radar for some time.

However, Hickey to Celtic also isn’t the most pressing of concerns. Is left-back an area that needs improving upon this summer? Absolutely. However, we would ideally want the player to be an upgrade on Greg Taylor. I’m not overly certain Hickey is at that level yet.

Our most pressing area of concern remains at centre-back. It’s incredibly concerning that we don’t appear to be nearing any finalised deals for a new central defender. Goodness knows we need one or two considering we have such a torn back-line.

Aaron Hickey in action for Bologna (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Stephen Welsh and Kris Ajer won’t cut it. That’s even assuming the latter is still actually at the club by late July. It could be the case that we need two new centre-back additions. And no, Nir Bitton doesn’t cut it either.

We could also do with some attacking flair down the left side. Mohamed Elyounoussi is yet to be replaced. Whether Mikey Johnston can step up remains to be seen, but it’s a risky thing to rely on given his previous injury concerns.

If Hickey is to be Postecoglou’s first Celtic signing then fair play. It’s a deal fans will love and could turn out to be shrewd business. But for me, there are other positions I want to see us strengthen in first and foremost.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly eyeing up a £15million-rated striker for nothing.