Celtic are receptive to the interests of KV Mechelen for winger Marian Shved.
A report in today’s Daily Record [print edition 20/3/21, p.60] suggests that Celtic and KV Mechelen are in talks over the Ukrainian winger. After an early-season shellacking from manager Wouter Vrancken [Daily Record], the winger has turned around his fortunes to an incredible extent.
Now a key player for the Belgian side, it’s clear that they’re keen to keep Shved around long-term, in a move that could net Celtic a few million.
The twice-capped Ukraine international has a combined 4 goals in all competitions this season [Transfermarkt]. However, those goals have invariably been important, and it’s his overall contribution that’s impressing Belgian supporters. Just like Jack Hendry, a spell in Belgium has utterly revitalised Shved’s career.
Earlier this year, the Ukrainian winger expressed regrets about signing for Celtic in the first place. In an interview with GVA, the loanee said:
“[Genk] even made a higher offer than Celtic. But after consultation with my brokers [agent], we ultimately opted for Celtic.
“In retrospect, that may not have been the right choice. If I knew what I know now, I might have chosen the Belgian league and signed with Genk.”
A significant loss for Celtic? KV Mechelen reportedly keen to sign Marian Shved
There’s still a world in which Marian Shved comes back to Celtic and performs well. Clearly, it was his attitude holding him back. With a manager who’s willing to berate him in public, Shved hasn’t shrunk, and he’s impressing in Belgium.
With all respect to the Jupiler Pro League, it’s possible we’re putting much too stock into Belgian top-flight performances. Jack Hendry was not a good Celtic player, but now he’s been linked to all and sundry. It’s possible that the league just isn’t that good, and that there’s been a collective overreaction.
After all, Shved’s statistics aren’t overly impressive. Yes, he could come back and prove to be a revelation for the Bhoys, but will any of us lose sleep if he’s moved on with a significant sell-on clause? Probably not, no.
While we probably could’ve used him in the squad, it seems neither Rodgers nor Lennon had much faith in the Ukrainian. Clearly signed with a view to being sold on in the future, the former Karpaty Lviv winger maybe has a future at Celtic, but he doesn’t seem overly keen, and nor do the club.
A parting of the ways may be best for everyone, here.
READ MORE: Get intae them – the side we reckon should face Rangers tomorrow.
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