Report highlights financial details of Celtic-linked Aaron Hickey's move to Bologna

By David Walton

September 6, 2020

Hearts defender Aaron Hickey’s move to Bologna has been finalised, with some interesting figures involved according to the Scottish Sun.

Hickey had previously been linked with a return to Celtic (Daily Record), where he previously featured in the club’s academy. However, the Hoops never appeared to make a move for him, with the player’s switch to Serie A coming close to unchallenged.

Yet it appears as though Bologna have managed to complete the signing of Hickey for a regularly modest sum. The Sun believes that only £450,000 will be paid up front, with a further £900k to be paid – plus bonuses – dependent on his performances.

Former Celtic youngster Aaron Hickey / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The deal in total, if all goes as planned, will cost Bologna a sum of £1.5m, the Sun reports.

Celtic, meanwhile, appeared to turn away from any interest in Hickey. Over the last 24 hours, the Hoops have reportedly moved for PSG’s Mitchel Bakker, who plays in Hickey’s left-back position (Sky Sports).

Celtic may not have necessarily managed a similar outcome

It’s easy to look at these modest figures and think that Celtic may have missed out. Bagging a decent young talent for a down payment of £450k isn’t bad going for Bologna. And with only £900k to be paid at a later date, they’ve hardly had to break the bank.

However, there’s no certainty that Hearts would’ve been so reasonable in negotiations had Celtic stepped forward. Rivalries tend to have an effect on transfer deals.

The Jambos will have known how furious many of their supporters would’ve been had Celtic nipped in for Hickey. That in itself will likely have added further value onto his price. How much of course is anybody’s guess.

Aaron Hickey in action against Celtic / (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

That doesn’t mean any deal would’ve been unaffordable of course. Hickey was into his last year of his contract at Tynecastle, so Hearts chairwoman Ann Budge would’ve been in no position to demand a heavy fee.

The Sun, meanwhile, has reported that Celtic will bag a 30% sell-on fee from the player’s move to Italy. That means that, should he live up to expectations, around £450k in total should be heading the club’s way. Those payments, however, should be staggered.

For now, we move on and see what Neil Lennon decides to do at left-back. But not many should look on this one with too many regrets – signing Hickey was never a big priority this summer, and Celtic’s lack of reported action on it reflects that.

In other news, a Premiership club chairman is predicting an important Monday call that could affect Celtic fixture.