Celtic are reportedly among a growing list of clubs tracking Cercle Brugge left-back Flavio Nazinho…
Pre season photo call Cercle Brugge – Jupiler Pro League BRUGGE, BELGIUM – JULY 08 : Nazinho Flavio defender pictured during the pre season photo call of Cercle Brugge prior to the Jupiler Pro League 2024 – 2025 season on July 8, 2025 in Brugge, Belgium, 08/07/2025 Brugge Belgium. Peter De Voecht
The 21-year-old impressed at the recent UEFA U21 European Championship for Portugal – including registering an assist for Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo – and has emerged as a standout performer at a time when his club desperately needs to sell.
Cercle Brugge narrowly avoided relegation last season and are facing a €15m shortfall with no European football to fall back on. CEO Klaas Reynaert admitted they are “not in a position to refuse a good offer,” and Nazinho is one of their most valuable assets.
Omari Hutchinson of England battles for the ball with Flavio Nazinho and Diogo Nascimento of Portugal during the Men’s U21 international match between England and Portugal at The Hawthorns on March 24, 2025 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
But Celtic aren’t alone. Serie A giants Roma and La Liga’s Real Sociedad are also said to be keen, so some pretty tough competition.
AS Roma, Real Sociedad e Celtic estão na corrida pela contratação de Flávio Nazinho, de acordo com o @Record_Portugal. pic.twitter.com/EtPZPEb4vv
— Diário de Transferências (@DTransferencias) July 11, 2025
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side are built on a high-possession, high-intensity approach. They dominate the ball, press relentlessly, and need full-backs who can contribute heavily at both ends of the pitch.
Nazinho, on the surface, looks a strong match. According to data from FBRef and FotMob he ranks highly for dribbles completed, progressive carries, and chance creation from wide areas – all essential qualities in a 4-3-3 setup where full-backs are often expected to act as auxiliary wingers.
Against low blocks – which Celtic face almost every week in the Premiership – his ability to beat a man and whip in crosses from advanced areas could offer something different. Based on the stats, he’s not just quick – he’s technically sharp, smart in tight areas, and shows a willingness to commit defenders. For a Celtic side that can struggle at times to stretch packed defences, this is arguably a good fit.
Beyond his attacking flair, Nazinho’s pressing numbers are impressive. He works hard out of possession and fits the mould of a modern, counter-pressing full-back. His recovery pace and aggressive positioning allow him to shut down transitions – traits Rodgers will value highly.
He’s not the finished article defensively, but neither was Jeremie Frimpong when he arrived. Nazinho’s tackling rate, interceptions, and aerial duels show he’s no slouch at the back. In a Celtic side that often camps in the opposition half, his speed and pressing instinct make him ideal for quick turnovers and suffocating counter-attacks before they start.
However, one major question looms: would Nazinho come to Celtic knowing Kieran Tierney is already in situ?
LISBON, PORTUGAL – JULY 24: Flavio Nazinho of Sporting CP before the start of the Cinco Violinos Trophy match between Sporting CP and Sevilla FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on July 24, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
For a player like Nazinho – young, hungry, and already on the radar of elite European clubs – regular minutes will be key. While Celtic could offer him development under Rodgers, Champions League football, and a chance to win trophies, competition from Roma and Sociedad might promise more immediate exposure at a higher level.
With Kieran Tierney a nailed on first choice, it is hard to see Nazinho choosing Celtic over other options – unless the club can clearly pitch a long-term pathway.
This is the type of signing Celtic fans could feasibly get behind – young, technically gifted, hard-working, and with resale value. Nazinho ticks the boxes for the model the club is building under Paul Tisdale as Head of Football operations, and Brendan Rodgers.
In a 4-3-3, he’d thrive with the freedom to push on, create width, and press high.
FLAVIO NAZINHO x CERCLE BRUGGE | SIGNING 2028! https://t.co/BmMwqzmcSk via @YouTube
— The Celtic Star News Feed (@CelticStarMag) July 12, 2025
But this deal may come down to a couple of things. Can Celtic convince Nazinho he’ll play regularly, andc an they beat off competition from more ‘glamorous’ leagues?
If Celtic are serious, they’ll probably need to act quickly and smartly. Nazinho would be an intelligent, exciting signing – but probably only if he believes he’s coming to be more than just cover.
There’s no doubt Flavio Nazinho is a smart fit, but it’s also likely to be a tough sell.
Niall J
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