Reports this week claiming that Celtic are preparing to make a move for Newcastle United’s Ryan Fraser came as a bit of a surprise to the Hoops support.
Early indications suggest that the rumour has been met with a lukewarm response from the Celtic support judging by the reaction online and on message boards.
However, former Celtic hero, John Hartson, believes that a move for the 29-year-old would be beneficial for the player and outlines one reason why it would be good for Celtic.
When asked if he thought the move for the Newcastle outcast could happen, Hartson said [The Go Radio Football Show], “I think so, yeah. He’s a good player. He’s not played regularly of late. His gametime has become not as much as what he would have wanted.
“I’m not too sure if he’s in [Eddie] Howe‘s plans going forward. Newcastle are buying players all the time. I think they’re looking at the top end of the market now.
“They were brilliant at the weekend in their first home game. So I think Ryan Fraser is a talent and coming up to Scotland and joining Celtic, I think, would be a very wise move because he’s got a lot to prove as well.”
Fraser coming to Celtic with a point to prove may very well be beneficial, but we need to look at the bigger picture here.
Will Ryan Fraser improve the current Celtic squad?
That’s the question that needs to be answered whenever Celtic are linked with any player. But, for me, that answer is no.
If you look at the talent we already have at Celtic, in my opinion, Fraser doesn’t get in ahead of any of our wingers.
Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda look like they will be Celtic’s first choice for the season ahead. Both have excelled in preseason and both have had great starts to the SPFL with the Israeli already bagging a goal and an assist and Maeda also creating one in the first two fixtures.
So already Fraser would be looking at time on the bench. But then, when you look at Celtic’s other options, we also have Hyunjun Yan who has looked a really tricky player for the Hoops whenever he has come on.
Sead Haksabanovic is also another option for Celtic as is James Forrest. Is Fraser an upgrade on either of those players? I would suggest not.
Looking at the 29-year-old’s goalscoring and assist stats, Fraser has made 312 senior career appearances and has just 34 goals and 52 assists to his name.
Compare that to Haksabanovic who is five years his junior, the Montenegrin has made 259 senior appearances and is already outscoring Fraser with 44 goals and trails slightly behind him on assists with 47.
The facts are there in black and white. Fraser wouldn’t bring anything extra to the squad that we don’t already have and Celtic would be best to leave this one well alone.
In other news, Two obstacles Celtic must overcome to make Daniel Podence deal happen
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