Celtic "watching" free agent Ryan Gauld; multiple teams keen

By Euan Davidson

June 23, 2021

Celtic are watching the Ryan Gauld situation closely, according to Transfermarkt and Forbes reporter Manuel Veth.

Veth, who covers the USA for Transfermarkt, claims Vancouver Whitecaps are in the driver’s seat for the Scottish starlet. Gauld, formerly of Sporting CP, was brought through the Dundee United youth ranks by ex-Celtic man Jackie McNamara, and even called the “Scottish Messi” [Guardian].

Veth, posting on his Twitter account, claims that the Whitecaps have made a “substantial” offer. Clearly, they’re motivated, but the presence of Celtic in the background has ensured the Canadian MLS side have bumped up their bid. The free agent, having starred at Farense in Liga NOS last season [Transfermarkt], is said to have his choice of clubs for 21-22.

While the MLS continues to grow, the lure of competing for Scottish titles and in Europe will surely prove an attraction to Gauld. Having shown his enormous potential at Dundee United and in Portugal, clubs from across the UK are reportedly after his services. 30 clubs, according to STV’s Christopher Harvie, are keen.

Celtic have to act now to beat MLS side to Ryan Gauld

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times; Ryan Gauld is too good to pass up.

A perfect replacement for Ryan Christie, should he leave Celtic, Gauld is just 25. The Aberdeen-born number 10 has a range of attacking skills in his arsenal. Able to provide key passes and assists, as well as take chances of his own, Gauld was extremely unlucky to miss out on the Euro 2020 squad.

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

The former McNamara favourite has his choice of clubs, yes. And he may fancy expanding his footballing palette with a move to Vancouver. Is it, after all, a very nice place to live [Daily Hive]. Still, you’ve got to imagine Celtic could come up with an offer equally tempting to the playmaker, and he’s certainly a player the board will have been more than aware of for a considerable length of time.

Sure, it might not have worked out in the Green and White of Sporting Club de Portugal. But Gauld has everything in his locker to be a fan favourite at Celtic Park.

The club need to act now.

READ MORE: Celtic eyeing up £15m talent