If Celtic are serious about finding value in the transfer market this summer, Mika Mármol and Danilho Doekhi deserve attention.
Both defenders are available without a transfer fee despite playing at a level that would normally command a significant fee.
While Mármol’s technical profile makes him the standout option, Doekhi’s availability creates another opportunity Celtic should at least assess.
The Spaniard has already been linked with Celtic in the past, while Doekhi is available after establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable defenders. Both deserve consideration.
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Celtic rarely find free agents with Mármol’s profile
Players with La Liga experience, positional versatility and Mármol’s age profile rarely become available without a transfer fee.
Mármol is not an unknown quantity. Celtic reportedly showed interest in the defender during his time at Barcelona, and his development since then has only strengthened the case for revisiting that move.
At 24, the former Barcelona defender combines top-flight experience with plenty of room for further growth. His ability to play at both centre-back and left-back only adds to his appeal.
Key Mika Mármol stats:
- 24 years old
- 107 appearances for Las Palmas
- 87.9% pass completion
- 283 defensive contributions
- 184 recoveries
- 175 clearances
- 46 interceptions
- 21 chances created
- 70.8% dribble success rate
Those numbers point towards a defender who is comfortable building attacks as well as stopping them.
Celtic should note that Doekhi is available for nothing
Proven Bundesliga defenders do not often enter the market without a fee attached.
While Mármol stands out for his technical qualities, Doekhi offers a different profile. The Dutch defender has spent the last four seasons proving himself in the Bundesliga and is now available after leaving Union Berlin.
His physical presence and consistency would immediately strengthen most defences.
Key Danilho Doekhi stats:
- 27 years old
- 34 Bundesliga appearances
- 3,060 minutes played
- 5 goals
- 297 defensive contributions
- 217 duels won
- 156 aerial duels won
- 189 clearances
- 44 tackles
- 40 interceptions
Those figures underline why clubs across Europe are likely to be monitoring his situation closely.
Celtic would benefit from comparing both profiles
Mármol and Doekhi solve different problems. One is a ball-playing defender entering his prime years. The other is a physically dominant centre-back with significant experience at a high level.
Celtic’s style means technical quality in possession is essential, but Scottish football also demands defenders who can cope with direct play and aerial battles.
Celtic should make Mármol their priority
Doekhi would be an excellent addition, but Mármol looks the smarter target.
He is younger, more versatile and already has a previous connection to Celtic. His passing, recovery and ball-carrying numbers suggest he would fit naturally into a team expected to control matches and dominate possession.
Free agents are often associated with ageing players or short-term fixes. Mármol and Doekhi do not fit that description. Both arrive with strong recent experience at a high level, and both would strengthen Celtic’s defence.
If the club are serious about finding value in the market, these are exactly the types of opportunities they should be exploring.
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