Celtic are showing an interest in Metz defender Amadou Mbengue after their relegation from Ligue 1 last season, according to Foot Mercato.
The French outlet claim that both Celtic and Serie A club Udinese are holding an interest in the player. It’s also stated that the player also had 2 German suitors as recently as January with his contract expiring at the end of the month.
However, with Metz set for a managerial turnover this summer, the report states Mbengue could wait to make a decision on his future until after he receives a proposal from his current club.
Naturally a defensive-midfielder, the Senegalese star largely played as a centre-back during his time in Ligue 1. It’s unclear as to what position Celtic would see him slotting into.
The Hoops have been linked with a host of centre-backs and defensive-midfielders this summer. Both are areas Ange Postecoglou will want to strengthen strongly before the new season begins.
Mbengue, meanwhile, has only recently progressed to the senior side after playing in France’s 4th division with the B team beforehand.
Amadou Mbengue – one for the future or the present?
If there’s one thing Ange Postecoglou hasn’t been putting a lot of emphasis on – it’s project signings.
Celtic went through a period of failed moves that were designed to build us a team for the future. However, seldom did any of them work out. The likes of Luca Connell, Jonathan Afolabi, Vakoun Bayo etc couldn’t make the grade in the long run.
Mbengue doesn’t come across as though he’s particularly one that Celtic would wait to throw in, but his lack of experience at the top level does raise a question. He’s only made 13 appearances for the Metz senior side having yet to go through a full campaign of games.
But it also depends on which position Ange Postecoglou would see him operating in. If he’s to take one of the centre-back jerseys next season, that’s going to be a difficult ask. But if it’s as a holding defensive-midfielder? We’re certainly in need of one of those and that could potentially open up some opportunities for him.
For now, he’s just another of what’s getting a ridiculously long list of names linked with the Hoops this summer.
Time will tell what the future holds regarding this one. But for now, what Mbengue really needs is consistent first-team football next season.
In other news, Report: Celtic Jota move to be completed by the end of the week
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