Celtic have been linked with a move for Reims wonder kid Nathanaël Mbuku. The 18-year-old has made twelve appearances this season, scoring once and assisting once; however, he is very much regarded as a future star and as such the Ligue 1 side have decided to slap a 8m Euro price tag on Mbuku.
Footmercato are claiming that Celtic face competition from their Europa League rivals Lille as well as Serie A side Parma for the youngster’s signature. The report claims that Neil Lennon’s side have made an enquiry about the availability of Mbuku so it will be interesting to see whether the reported interest transpires into a concrete bid.
The Scottish Champions have had some success buying talented French youngster in the past with Olivier Ntcham, Odsonne Edouard and Moussa Dembele all coming to the club in recent years. There is a pathway to playing regular first team football, competing in Europe before moving on if you are good enough. Players like Virgil Van Dijk, Fraser Forster, Stuart Armstrong and Victor Wanyama are testament to the progress at Celtic.
Mbuku can play on both the right and in the middle of attack but he is predominately a left winger. Celtic are short in the wide areas owing to James Forrest’s long term absence but on the left, Moi Elyounoussi’s loan deal ends in the summer leaving just Mikey Johnston.
Celtic’s priority is a central defender with Filip Benkovic linked with a return. That will be the main concern for Neil Lennon and Nicky Hammond this month, although it is better to see Celtic being linked with more ambitious moves as opposed to free agents.
