Gijs Smal and Celtic’s transfer search for a quality left-back

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Now that Alexandro Bernabei has left Celtic on loan to Brazilian side SC Internacional, attention will turn to what the Bhoys plan to do with the left-back position this summer.

Greg Taylor is currently installed as first choice in the position and while Brendan Rodgers is on the record as a noted fan of the Scotland international, it remains an area of the squad that could do with strengthening.

Reports in the summer and winter transfer windows indicated that Celtic were looking for left-backs, so we know it’s been a focus. Sadly, like much of the recruitment, there’s been a real lack of quality arriving.

Celtic have shown transfer interest in Dutch defender

Another left-sided defender popped up on the transfer radar this week when Dutch outlet 1908.nl reported that Celtic were one of the teams keen on signing up 26-year-old Gijs Smal on a free transfer this summer.

His contract at FC Twente expires at the end of the season and several teams around Europe, including the Bhoys, have apparently been tracking his situation.

Sadly, the story has moved on a bit even since that report with ESPN subsequently reporting that Feyenoord look to be the favourites for his signature and are now on the verge of securing his services once a medical takes place.

Nonetheless, his profile shows that Celtic are intent on procuring an in-form talent, in his prime, to help bolster Rodgers’ options in defence.

FotMob show that Smal ranks highly in chance creation and dribble success compared to other full-backs in Eredivisie, suggesting that the Bhoys will be looking for an attack-minded player. He also likes a shot from distance.

Ideally, Celtic will find an experienced player ready to make a step up in his career, much like moves for Josip Juranovic and Alistair Johnston on the opposite side of the pitch, or what could have been with Smal.

That won’t be easy but it’ll be one of the main challenges for the recruitment team, with fans now demanding a productive transfer window after squad regression over the last 18 months.