Celtic have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of Union Berlin defender Niko Gießelmann, after an interview with German outlet Kicker.
According to a report from SportsBild [08/12 print edition], the Hoops were keen to bring the 30-year-old Bundesliga left-back to Glasgow. However, those hopes have been dashed by Gießelmann himself, who spoke of a determination to stay in Germany’s top flight.
With Celtic potentially looking at another left-back in the January transfer window, Gießelmann looked a decent option. Even at a later stage in his career, the Hannover-born defender’s ability to get up the left-flank and cover central positions looked a good fit for Postecoglou’s side.
The Bhoys currently have Greg Taylor, Boli Bolingoli, Liam Scales and Adam Montgomery available at left-back. Josip Juranovic, a right-back by trade, filled in on the opposite flank for a significant portion of the season so far, in Taylor’s absence.
Gießelmann has three goals and four assists in the Bundesliga this season [Transfermarkt], making him a particularly attractive defensive option. He was, however, adamant about any imminent transfer movement. His contract runs out in the summer.
Gießelmann said, in response to a question about Celtic’s interest [Kicker]: “I want to play at a high level for as long as possible.
“The Bundesliga is one of the top leagues.”
Bundesliga defender Niko Gießelmann a no-go for Celtic this January
Well then. Pretty definitive stuff from Niko Gießelmann there, it has to be said.
The Bundesliga, admittedly, is one of the world’s best leagues. For any young German with footballing aspirations, they have an incredible infrastructure on their doorstep. Giving that up when you’re already at a good Bundesliga side would be tough to do, for any player.
It’d be interesting to know for sure whether Celtic had actually made enquiries. We don’t tend to see players emphatically deny a possible move without reasonable basis to do so.
Union Berlin, in fairness, is a happy place to play football at the time of writing. The likeable side sit 6th in the table [Bundesliga], and qualified for the Europa Conference League last season. Even with a modest budget, in comparison to the teams around them, Union are one of the teams to watch.
Did Celtic need another left-back, though? It seems a little risky to add to the cohort without first ensuring one or two will be on their way. Either on a permanent, or temporary basis.
Liam Scales has impressed in recent showings, not least against Dundee United and Real Betis. A loan for Adam Montgomery could be feasible, although he’s played enough first-team football to suggest he’s in Ange’s thinking. Greg Taylor is surely first-choice.
Boli Bolingoli is probably likeliest to head out the door. But with so many players competing for one place just now, adding a 30-year-old with considerable top-flight experience without guaranteeing starts is probably a difficult sell.
It’s going to a fascinating month of transfer activity regardless. It won’t feature Union Berlin man Niko Gießelmann, though.
Read more: UEFA confirm Bodo/Glimt kick-off times; Celtic set for early start in Norway
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