Celtic are at the stage of the transfer window where things are starting to move with a couple of weeks left before the deadline.
The Bhoys are close to finalising Adam Idah on a permanent deal. The Republic of Ireland international will join for £8.5 million up-front with another £1 million in add-ons, taking the total fee to £9.5 million.
While the Cork-born frontman completes the final touches to his move, supporters are desperate to see more movement in other positions.
Paulo Bernardo, Viljami Sinisalo and Kasper Schmeichel have been the only permanent arrivals at Celtic Park this summer. You get the impression that will change drastically by the time August is out.
Talk on social media and online forums usually rounds at this time of year. It is natural, and as a fan, it can be the fun part of the window while the club look to solicit deals.
67 Hail Hail is a platform run by supporters who tap into every angle of Celtic coverage, so it is only fair we do or best to shine a light on the latest topic of conversation doing the rounds.
The origins behind the Renato Tapia Celtic link
Before this transfer link is addressed, it is important to remember this report hit the public domain last week, so circumstances may have changed since then.
Either way, South American outlet Bolavip have addressed the future of Peruvian international Renato Tapia, who is a free agent after leaving Celta Vigo at the end of last season.
Celtic have been credited as one of three clubs with an interest in the 29-year-old. Brazilian outfit, Fluminese, and Bundesliga side Union Berlin are among his other suitors.
The publication claim that he hasn’t made a ‘firm decision’ about his future despite having admiration from the trio mentioned. As a free agent, he is weighing up his options and was on holiday at the time the news came to light.
Nevertheless, Celtic are said to be a player in the game to try and land the defensive midfielder. He left Celta Vigo to seek an opportunity elsewhere following four years at the La Liga outfit.
Renato Tapia and what he could offer Celtic
Specialising in breaking up play in the six position, Tapia made 25 appearances for Celta Vigo last season across all competitions.
Per Fotmob, he won 138 duels and 29 tackles (70.7% success rate). The Peruvian also came out on top in 44 aerial duels and made 112 recoveries, so it is fair to say he would add a bit of bite to Brendan Rodgers’ engine room.
Stylistically, the dynamic of Celtic’s midfield could change if he were to arrive. Callum McGregor operates in front of the defence, but he could potentially move further up should Tapia pitch up in Glasgow’s east end.
Either way, it is an intriguing story. The Bhoys need bodies across the park, and targeting someone with 85 caps for their country would certainly provide quantifiable experience and leadership. Whether it comes to anything remains to be seen, but keep your eyes peeled for further developments.
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