The January transfer window is around the corner and it is evident that Celtic need new players.
Wilfried Nancy is determined to stick with his 3-4-3 formation, despite the switch returning four losses out of four in his career.
Nancy is a modern-day coach in that he has one style and will stick to it. If that is to be the case, then vast improvement in all areas of the pitch is one of those things.
Centre-back is a position that requires a major upgrade. Cameron Carter-Vickers is injured, but none of the other options are really sticking out.
So, with that in mind, 67 Hail Hail has picked out three central defenders that could bring Nancy’s 3-4-3 formation to life.
Who are Celtic’s best defenders of the 21st century?
Tiago Gabriel – Lecce
He may still be relatively early into his Lecce career, but Tiago Gabriel is already exciting people over in Italy.
After making the switch from his native Portugal in January 2025, the 20-year-old has quickly established himself as a regular in Serie A.
Gabriel is naturally right-footed, which would allow him to comfortably play on the right or centre of the back three.
He is also gifted technically, a trait that is very important in Nancy’s philosophy.
A fee of anywhere between £5-£8m may be enough to secure his services; but it would be a great long-term addition.
Christos Alexiou – Inter Milan
Liam Scales seems to be lacking any sort of competition for his spot as the left-sided centre-back, which means that he is forced to play near enough every minute.
His absence against Dundee United was felt in the back line, but playing every single game will only hamper him even further.
Christos Alexiou is some way off competing for a spot in Inter Milan’s first team, but the 20-year-old could prove to be a solid rotational option.
A loan spell would provide short-term cover with a view to maybe going for a big-money signing to fill that position in the summer too.
Mujaid Sadick – Genk
The final option is probably the most expensive one.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha will be familiar with Mujaid Sadick having come up against him in the Belgian Pro League.
You have £20m to spend in the January transfer window. How are you spending it?
Sadick is 30-years-old, so on the older side, but some experience at the back may be what Celtic are lacking.
He has plenty of experience on the European stage too, which makes him a worthy candidate.
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