Report: Celtic to sign yet another international in the coming days

By David Walton

January 9, 2022

Celtic are to sign another international star in the coming days in Australian talent Riley McGree, according to the Daily Mail.

The Socceroos star, who’s made 6 appearances for his country in total, spent the last 14 months on loan with Birmingham City from MLS expansion side Charlotte.

The 23-year-old ended 2021 having made 30 appearances and becoming a firm favourite amongst Birmingham supporters [Transfermarkt].

The Daily Mail reports that Birmingham were expected to take the player to the Midlands permanently. However, Postecoglou is a confirmed admirer of the attacking-midfielder.

The report claims that Celtic should hold off competition from English Championship clubs to secure the signing in the coming days. It remains to be seen if Birmingham manage to lure him at the death.

McGree can also play in a central midfield role or indeed as a deeper option, showing impressive versatility.

Riley McGree to Celtic out of nowhere?

Celtic have already signed up some impressive international stars this January already. Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi, and Reo Hatate have come to Scotland with heavy experience with the Japan national team.

But this move for McGree would certainly be interesting. Certainly when you take into account the competition for places that already exists in the Hoops attacking midfield area.

Only several weeks ago, Birmingham City star George Friend urged the club to make McGree’s move permanent. He labelled him the “best player” in training as he outlined his hope that McGree would stay in the Championship [Birmingham Mail].

McGree signed for Charlotte in 2020 from Adelaide as he went looking for pastures new. However, he’s yet to make an appearance, and with his reputation having bolstered, another move to the UK is surely next on his agenda once more.

Celtic may also have the emotional pull here. After all, McGree will know all about the stature of Ange Postecoglou. He’ll know that by being a success and helping Ange become a success, he’ll be doing so much for Australian coaches around the world.

It’s a monumental opportunity if it is indeed on the table for the player. All eyes then on the next few days to see if this gets over the line.

In other news, Bodo/Glimt want clarification on Celtic ticket situation for 2nd leg this week