Report: Celtic transfer saga set to end with Ben Davies to join Sheffield United on loan

By Euan Davidson

August 14, 2021

Any hopes Celtic had of landing Ben Davies this season have been dashed, with Sheffield United set to secure the Liverpool man on loan, according to Sky Sports.

Celtic were close to getting Davies in January, but the Bhoys were gazumped by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Despite signing him in the winter window, Davies hasn’t made a competitive appearance for the Reds.

Therefore, the rumour mill set into motion again. The Bhoys were reportedly keen, according to the Scottish Daily Mail [print edition, 09/07, page 88], with Davies becoming disillusioned with life in Liverpool.

Alas, another defensive “target” has eluded Celtic’s grasp. Sheffield United are taking the centre-back on loan for the 21-22 season [Sky Sports].

According to Sky Sports, a deal was agreed this morning, with the finer details being worked out. Despite not playing for Liverpool yet, Klopp doesn’t want to get rid of Davies on a permanent deal.

That’s despite the impressive form of Rhys Williams, and the arrival of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig [LFC].

How close Celtic were to actually securing Davies on loan this season is unknown. Other targets have been more prominently linked to the club, including Ko Itakura and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic need to give up on Ben Davies, but not defensive cover

So, thus ends – barring any last minute changes of heart – a frustrating transfer saga.

Interestingly, Celtic have made signings quickly, without a great deal of speculation or fanfare beforehand. The transfer of Kyogo Furuhashi caught almost everyone out. Ditto Liel Abada, Osaze Urhoghide and – to an extent – Joe Hart.

Carl Starfelt’s mini-saga went on for a number of weeks. Otherwise, though, Celtic have been efficient in the transfer market. It’s normally a bad sign if there’s a lot of talk before we move for a player.

So, it’s time for Celtic to give up on Davies. We’ll see how he gets on with Sheffield United, and assess our options in the summer. What’s more important than worrying about the English defender is what we’re going to do in the remainder of the window.

We need centre-backs. Carl Starfelt and Stephen Welsh are coming on to a game, while Christopher Jullien still has to come back. But beyond Welsh, Dane Murray is the next best option. He’s been impressive for his age, but he’ll know himself that Celtic need experience in the middle of the defence to rely upon.

So, once again, Davies has gone elsewhere. Little matter; it’s what Celtic do next that counts.

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