Why a Celtic move for Ryan Gauld would make complete sense

By Euan Davidson

May 7, 2021

You could argue that Ryan Gauld to Celtic is an easy link to make.

After all, the young Scotsman is out of contract this summer. He’s been tearing up Liga NOS, with 15 goal involvements in 30 games, after a relatively uncertain time in Portugal. While it didn’t work out for him at Sporting Club de Portugal, the 25-year-old is finally living up to the scary potential he showed at Dundee United.

The attacking midfielder would tick so many boxes for Celtic. We will need a Ryan Christie replacement, most likely. He’s available for nothing, and he’s Scottish, which will help with squad registration rules. Everything that could point to Ryan Gauld being a priority, points to him.

Yet, Celtic aren’t at the races whatsoever. Instead, according to TEAMtalk, Gauld is being targeted by clubs including Brighton and Brentford. Newly promoted Norwich are similarly keen.

For whatever reason, Gauld’s exploits over the last two seasons haven’t earned him the recognition he deserves. The Portugese top-flight is a very decent standard, yet Steve Clarke nor the Celtic board are realising what they could have. A talented, creative midfielder, Gauld averages 2.4 shots and key passes per 90 [WhoScored?].

In terms of sheer output this season, the ex-Dundee United man has outshone Ryan Christie. Yet, crickets.

Ryan Gauld / (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Celtic will continue to lose out on talent, including Ryan Gauld, without a more aggressive strategy

It’s all very well for websites like ours to suggest players that Celtic should sign. I get that, but no-brainers like this are incredibly frustrating.

Especially when we’ve lost out on other Scottish talents to England time and time again, despite potentially being in the driver’s seat in any negotiation. The examples are numerous, with John McGinn being chief among them. We’ve also watched as speculation builds regarding Ryan Porteous and Kevin Nisbet, two players who would immediately improve our squad.

It’s frustrating, as both a Celtic fan and a Scotland fan, to see Ryan Gauld being repeatedly snubbed. And from a Celtic perspective, this would be a signing that so obviously fits the criteria of what we need next season.

Maybe the Bhoys’ board will come in with an 11th hour bid, but until then, it’s going to be a frustrating watch. Gauld is just one of a number of free agent gems this season, and while we’re not saying Celtic can sign anyone and everyone, it would be great to see the board being more aggressive and helping the next manager build a competitive squad.

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