Vinicius Souza has had his move to Espanyol confirmed this evening after a summer of speculation linking him to Celtic.
Outlets such as The Scottish Daily Mail and Sky Sports reported that Celtic had held discussions with the Brazilian and his representatives about a move to Glasgow from the City Group’s stable of clubs.
However, he has decided to complete a season-long loan in La Liga, the club confirmed on their website this evening.
It will be disappointing news for the Celtic supporters who have talked themselves into a move for the midfielder over the last few weeks.
However, it’s important to stress Souza will have been one of a number of players Celtic have been tracking for the midfield position.
We witnessed in January how quickly the Bhoys moved on from Riley McGree disappointment to sign up Matt O’Riley. That didn’t work out too badly.
Indeed, a number of transfer targets seemed to slip through Celtic’s fingers last summer only for Ange Postecoglou and the club to pull diamonds out of the pack that made a big impact.
Souza looks like a mobile, defensively aggressive player – so that would appear to be the kind of profile Celtic are looking at.
Postecoglou needs tactical and midfield flexibility heading into the new campaign depending on the opposition, especially with Champions League football coming up.
It would be great to see Celtic add a quality central option to complement players such as Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, David Turnbull and more.
Presumably, that will remain a priority over the coming days and weeks despite the Souza news.
In other news, The door of opportunity has just opened for Celtic teenager Bosun Lawal.
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