Despite all the negativity surrounding his reputation, it would be unfair to say Anthony Ralston doesn’t deserve praise for his recent performances.
His disastrous game in the home leg against FC Midtjylland had all sorts of Celtic fans crying out for a right-back, with the Bellshill-born right-back and Greek goalie Vasilis Barkas single handedly shooting the Bhoys’ in the foot at Paradise.
Yet, since then, Ralston has arguably been Celtic’s best player behind Callum McGregor. Scoring against Hearts – despite the loss – and putting in two stellar performances in the return leg against Midtjylland and last night’s Europa League qualifier against FK Jablonec respectively – have given Celtic fans something to warm to.
However, it is still plain to see that the club need reinforcements in that area; not only to improve on The Scotsman, but incase of injury, as Ralston remains the only senior right-back.
Names have been touted for the last six months; Jonjoe Kenny, Brandon Soppy and Aurelio Buta are just a few of those who have been linked with the right-back berth.
But the newest link offers the most hope of all, in Argentine right-back Fabricio Bustos.
Bustos, 25, has been at Primera Division side Independiente for his entire career, amassing a total of 101 league games for the club. With most South American players migrating to Europe to try their hand in the most prestigious leagues in the world, it appears Bustos wants a say on the matter.
And according to French website ‘Homme du Match’ – or Man of the Match, roughly translated – the twice-capped Argentina international has been offered to Celtic for around €4million.
Celtic in ‘pole position’ to land £3.4million right-back Fabricio Bustos from Argentinahttps://t.co/M3XCKeFGIk pic.twitter.com/j9gzhhziv0
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) August 6, 2021
It isn’t often that a twice capped Argentina international comes about for less than £4m at the age of 25; but with Bustos’ contract expiring next June, Celtic need to act quickly to secure his services.
Whether the board can be trusted to do that, is another question.
