Report: Former Celtic loanee Diego Laxalt agrees deal with Dinamo Moscow

By Euan Davidson

June 12, 2021

If Celtic had designs on bringing back Diego Laxalt, then they’ll be disappointed.

According to reputable Italian journalist Daniele Longo of Calcio Mercato, Laxalt has agreed a deal with Dinamo Moscow. AC Milan will scoop up €4m for the left-back, who failed to convince overall during his stint at Celtic Park.

Yesterday, a report claimed that €3.5m would be enough to seal the deal. However, the Rossoneri have squeezed another half a million Euros from the Russian side.

Laxalt made 26 appearances in all competitions for Celtic, scoring a single goal [Transfermarkt]. Despite often finding himself as the main creative outlet on the left for the Bhoys, he didn’t register a single assist.

Brought in by Neil Lennon for his 3-5-2 formation, Laxalt impressed early on, becoming one of the ex-Celtic boss’ first picks. Unfortunately, as the team struggled, so did the Uruguayan. Laxalt didn’t look entirely comfortable as a traditional left back, conceding nearly 2 fouls a game [WhoScored?].

Diego Laxalt has landed in a good spot after Celtic

Admittedly, it wasn’t the best season for Dinamo Moscow last time round, as they finished 7th in the Russian Premier League [BBC]. Still, though, there’s some interesting talent there. Polish midfielder Sebastian Szymanski is an exciting prospect at just 22, while Roman Evgenjev looks to have solid potential at the back.

So Laxalt would be joining a relatively youthful team, who’ll provide plenty for the Uruguayan to work with. Whether or not his new teammates are into Fortnite is another question entirely.

Diego Laxalt and Albian Ajeti / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Ultimately, Laxalt was an ambitious and – on the face of it – interesting signing for Celtic in 2020, but his time at the club petered out significantly. By the end, he looked as bereft of confidence as his teammates, and looked particularly lacklustre in the Scottish Cup against Rangers.

Still, at least Celtic didn’t spend a transfer fee on the 28-year-old. And he gave us Celtic Dog on Christmas Eve. So, in the end, not too much harm done.

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