Portuguese Report: Celtic one of four clubs who could move for Alberth Elis in coming days

By David Walton

July 8, 2021

Celtic are one of four clubs that could move for Boavista winger Alberth Elis in the coming days, according to A Bola.

The Portuguese outlet claims that Boavista expect advances to come for their star man in the coming days. It’s stated that the Honduran’s departure is unavoidable given the player’s urge to leave.

Celtic have been mentioned alongside Premier League outfits Brighton, West Ham, and Southampton as being possible destinations. The Hoops were first linked with the player last year [Daily Record].

Elis has just come off a fine individual campaign where he bagged eight goals and six assists in his debut season in Portugal [Transfermarkt].

Boavista, however, are said to be demanding €10m [£8.6m] for the Honduran [A Bola]. The player’s father has come out and stated that it would be his son’s dream to play in the English Premier League [La Prensa].

Celtic need new wingers; but not a major priority at the moment

I’m the first to say that Celtic need new wingers. We have no viable replacement for James Forrest whilst Mikey Johnston hasn’t been seen in pre-season as of yet.

However, Celtic surely won’t be making any big move to sign Elis in the coming days. There are just far too many reasons for us not to move at the moment.

First of all, we have bigger priorities that the club will surely be tackling. The centre-back and right-back situation need addressing immediately before the Champions League game against Midtjylland. Yes, another left-winger would be ideal, but it’s not a massive source of frustration for us just now.

You then have the fact he wants to move to England, which doesn’t help. Celtic can often be used as a springboard to the EPL, but chances are that’s exactly what he viewed Boavista as being.

Then you simply have the figures involved. We can’t compete with EPL clubs when it comes to transfer fees. And to splash out that quantity of cash when we’ve yet to even sell a player? Even if there is interest, with the media in Portugal appear to think, an actual approach flies in the face of sense.

Stranger things have happened, but as we prepare to find out what’s happening with Elis in the coming days, I wouldn’t expect Celtic to be making advancements.

In other news: THE FC Midtjylland boss isn’t satisfied with his side’s defending ahead of Celtic clash.