Former Celtic target and triallist Thomas Robert is training with David Beckham-backed outfit Salford City, according to the Herald.
The Herald report that despite trialling with Burnley, the Airdrieonians winger is embarking upon a stint with the League Two side.
Salford City, ambitiously backed by members of Manchester United’s ‘Class of ’92’ are getting a closer look at the winger. The club are helmed by businessman Peter Lim. United favourites David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes are all significant shareholders [SCFC].
Celtic had been heavily linked with Robert, the son of cult hero Laurent Robert. In fact, he was even on trial at Lennoxtown, but managerial changes at the club scuppered a potential deal [Daily Record]. Having had his trial extended at Burnley [Daily Record], it looked as if a deal with the Premier League side was in the offing.
Not the case. Robert’s reported interesting in joining Salford City is reminiscent of his joining Airdrieonians, in some respects. Having shone for Montpellier’s youth teams, his move to the SPFL was an eyebrow-raiser.
This is either inspired or questionable, and it’s hard to know which it is.
Celtic not pouncing for Thomas Robert indicates interest is probably gone
What does this mean for Celtic? Probably that, barring shock news, we can close the book on any potential deal.
While Robert’s stock was high last season, it’s curious that Celtic didn’t offer a contract. If he had impressed sufficiently, and the Bhoys had plans for a competitive youth team, then why would a managerial change effect things so radically?
You get the sense that if Celtic were still keen on the prodigious French talent, they’d have a contract ready by now. However, the winger seems to be intent on a move to England at this point.
If that is, indeed, with the David Beckham-backed Salford City, then fair play to him. It’s quite the downgrade from life in a Premier League squad. However, the Salford City “project” is an exciting one, and it’s not as if they’re short of cash to pull off shock moves.
The club lured Adam Rooney, a prolific Scottish Premiership finisher, to non-league football in 2018 [BBC].
So, it wouldn’t be a total shock if Salford City got this over the line.
In other news: What’s Dermot Desmond up to this transfer window?
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