The World Cup knockout stages continue into this weekend, and several Celtic men are still involved.
Auston Trusty and the USA will face Belgium in the round of 16, whilst Alistair Johnston’s Canada are to navigate the tough task of Morocco on Saturday.
In terms of transfers, things are quiet at the moment. Camilo Duran and Dinko Horkas are the two most prominent names as we speak, but nothing looks imminent.
Some players at the World Cup have been linked, such as Benjamin Tahirovic and Ivan Basic of Bosnia – we picked out three players who made the knockouts that would be fitting profiles for Celtic.
🤔 Do Celtic need to sign a centre-back this summer?
Three World Cup knockout targets for Celtic including South African starlet and Ghana trickster
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, South Africa
20-year-old central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi played every minute as South Africa did themselves proud at their first World Cup since hosting in 2010.
His performances, particularly in their 1-0 win against South Korea in which he was directly against ex-Celtic striker Hyeongyu Oh, have led to widespread rumours of a move to Europe.
READ MORE: Chris Sutton adds to Alistair Johnston exit talk as ‘big clubs’ note World Cup form
MLS side Chicago Fire paid just £2 million to land him from Orlando Pirates in January, and this fee already looks like a bargain.
He is short for a centre-back at 5’10, but crucially doesn’t look like it in duels. Blessed with recovery pace, he more than held his own as his side qualified from a difficult group.
Just six months on from his move to Chicago, a move wouldn’t come cheap, but this summer might be Celtic’s only chance.
Elliot Stroud, Sweden
As the wait for news on Marcelo Saracchi goes on, the probability is increasing that a new left-back could be on Martin O’Neill’s wishlist this summer.
If this is the case, Elliot Stroud looks like the perfect profile. After a meteoric rise over the last 12 months, he started as Sweden bowed out in the first knockout round against France.
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The season ended on May 23rd 🗓️
Ever-present as Mjallby delivered a fairytale title in the Swedish top-flight last year, he could face Celtic in the Champions League play-off round next month.
Similarly to Saracchi, Stroud is an energetic, attack-minded, technically sound left-back who scored nine goals from a wing-back role last season.
Along with his attacking impact, he ranked in the 91st percentile for tackles as his side conceded just 18 goals last season. Clubs in the top five leagues are interested, with Cagliari the reported frontrunners.
Augustine Boakye, Ghana
Amid fears that Celtic may have missed the boat for Elijah Just following his performances for New Zealand, a more-than capable alternative is Augustine Boakye.
Saint-Etienne have just beaten Celtic to the signing of Jakob Breum, possibly in anticipation of Boakye leaving after interest came his way from Hamburg late last year.
Boakye is a skilful, creative, dynamic attacking midfielder. Despite his 14 goal contribution last season, Saint-Etienne missed out on promotion to Ligue 1.
Though they are desperate to keep a hold of him this summer, his call-up to the Ghana squad is indicative of a rise in profile that could lead to widespread interest.
Boakye is unlikely to come cheap, but especially in the case of Benjamin Nygren leaving this summer, he could be a worthwhile investment.
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