Report: Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre wanted by Goztepe

By Connor Gordon

January 2, 2019

Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre is being linked with a move to Turkish side Goztepe.

The Super Lig club have apparently agreed a deal with the player according to football site Fanatik.

The transfer would allow Izaguirre a chance at permanent first-team football. However, it would also mean Brendan Rodgers sourcing a replacement.

Move is the right decision for Izaguirre

In a professional sense, a transfer is good for the 32-year-old back-up.

The fullback is playing second fiddle to first choice Kieran Tierney, and when he has had to deputise the Honduran has blown hot and cold.

Emilio Izaguirre will have Cameron Jerome and Yoan Gouffran as a team mates at Goztepe. (Photo by Mahmut Serdar Alakus/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Fanatik explain that Izaguirre has shook hands on both his release and a deal with the Turks.

Emilio will sign a one-and-a-half year deal following the termination of his Celtic contract which has six months to run.

Goztepe manager Kemal Özdeş apparently wants to set a marker in the Super Lig.

Goztepe manager is a big fan of Honduras international and will bring experience to the Turks.. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The club finished in sixth place last season and has big ambitions but are currently stuck in 10th.

Celtic must source replacement

With Izaguirre potentially departing, Brendan Rodgers must source another left-back. Calvin Miller is returning from his loan at Dundee but clearly isn’t the answer in defence.

Izaguirre has left Celtic briefly before, playing a year in Saudi Arabia before returning.

Calvin Miller is returning to the Celtic set-up following his loan move to Dundee. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Hoops’ massive run of games proved to Rodgers the need for a stand-in fullback.

Miller was tried but the natural attacker looked out of place, so Emilio was brought back.

The Honduras international has been a faithful servant at Parkhead for years. If Emilio does decide to leave, he goes with everyone’s best wishes. He will always be remembered for his first stint before injury in which he was Player of the Year.

However, good things must come to an end and Izaguirre must do what’s best for him and his young family.