US journalist claims Celtic remain in the hunt for Tottenham Hotspur defender

By Euan Davidson

July 8, 2021

Celtic remain in the hunt for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

That’s according to SBI Soccer reporter Larry Henry Jr. Two weeks ago, he revealed Celtic were interested, alongside Fulham and Cardiff City.

Carter-Vickers, according to Henry Jr, is wanted by the Hoops, Newcastle United and his former loan side, Bournemouth. The 8-cap USMNT defender remains a potential prospect at 23, but he just hasn’t broken into the Spurs team. Having joined Tottenham’s U18s in 2014, he’s since had 6 loan spells away from North London.

Carter-Vickers made 26 appearances for Bournemouth last season, averaging just 0.6 fouls per 90 from 1 tackle a game, 1.1 interceptions and an impressive 3.6 clearances [WhoScored?].

The Tottenham Hotspur defender faces an uphill battle to gain first-team momentum. Ahead of him lie Celtic-linked Japhet Tanganga, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Joe Rodon. New manager Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to look at bulking up his centre-back options, too.

In the right-back slot, where Carter-Vickers can deputise, it’s hardly any easier. Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier provide stern competition. In truth, the Spurs Academy product doesn’t seem anywhere near the first-team.

Newcastle United provide the most competition, here. The Magpies, who are also after Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, are looking to bolster their defensive options.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers could be a shrewd pick-up for Celtic

There are two schools of thought here. 1. We need defenders, and any with international and Premier League experience would be good business. 2. Cameron Carter-Vickers can actually play a bit.

It’d be hard to categorise a move for the USA defender as a coup, but it’d be something relatively close. A versatile, tall centre-back who came through under Mauricio Pochettino, he’s a symptom of the Premier League’s spending. Apart from the very obvious examples like Harry Kane and Harry Winks, it’s not as if Spurs are known for trusting their youth products.

So, the idea that we should be put off by his lack of appearances in the Premier League is probably a red herring. Going by last season’s evidence, he’s capable of starring in efficient defences. Bournemouth had the sixth best defence in the Championship last season [Sky Sports]. Curiously, 17th placed Nottingham Forest were one spot ahead.

At the very least, Carter-Vickers would provide a reliable squad option. Celtic played their small contingent of defenders far too much last season. That tiredness was evident in the concentration, the decision-making, and inability to deal with set-pieces.

Should Celtic fight off Bournemouth and Newcastle United, it’s good business. The 23-year-old needs a permanent home. At Paradise, his undoubted potential could bear fruit.

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