Kieran Tierney to return if talk of Valle recall is true? Contrary talk of Celtic speaking to Barcelona about a permanent deal for young Alex who has certainly impressed…
As the weeks roll by it’s now just six weeks to Greg Taylor can speak to other clubs. What is happening at Celtic regarding our plans for that troublesome left back spot?
A Barca recall or a Celtic permanent deal?
There was talk recently of Alex Valle being recalled by Barcelona as early as January, but fortunately all talk has went rather quiet, although that doesn’t mean that things aren’t going on in the background. According to Scottish Daily Mail last week, Celtic were actually planning to open negotiations with Barcelona for the youngster.
A lowish buy-out clause
Much will depend on Valle’s own take on things. Is first team football on the cards back at Barca or is his development best served playing first team – and Champions League football under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic. Valle has apparently a lowish buy-out clause in his contract so if he wants to come to Celtic it should happen.
The young left back is a very accomplished player and you can see why Barcelona supporters were bemused that he was sent out on loan. It’s not a given that he will see out his entire loan spell in Glasgow but on the other hand he might be retained on a permanent contract. If that’s likely Brendan will be looking at playing Valle as much as possible.
Time running out for a Taylor deal
Then there’s Greg Taylor, an important and long established member of the Celtic first team who has won four Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups since signing from Kilmarnock in 2019.
Taylor has never been among the top earners at the club and apparently reckons it’s time that he was. Maybe Celtic’s don’t fancy the kind of pay rise that the player’s agent has in mind and there’s been a stalemate for a long time now. Brendan Rodgers has always praised Taylor and insists that he wants him to remain at the club as a valuable player in the dressing room and on the park. But if it’s not going to happen that’s also fine but the manager wants to know in order to make alternative plans.
Left back will be Brendan’s priority position in January
Should Alex Valle be recalled in January, it would mean signing a left back would be our biggest priority in the upcoming transfer window. With only Greg Taylor available it would leave us exposed in an area we have struggled to strengthen in years gone by. And of course the nightmare scenario is Valle gets recalled, Taylor signs a pre-contract with a club in England and Brendan will be facing having no first team left backs in the squad come the summer.
Bernabei likely to be sold for decent money
Alexandro Bernabei isn’t fancied by Brendan and is nearing the exit door, although the club have certainly landed on their feet with him as there are now multiple clubs in South America after his signature.
We do have young Matthew Anderson who is currently on loan at Admira Wacker although like Valle, he would have to cut his loan spell short in Austria. Mitchel Frame is also an option, but we need experience in that area especially with the chance of advancing in Europe still a possibility.
So could a loan deal for Kieran Tierney be on the cards? KT has been touted for a return to Celtic Park since last year, but his injury at the euros put an end to that rumour. However with KT close to regaining full fitness, and surplus to requirements at Arsenal, could that tempt Brendan to bring him back to Celtic, on a temporary basis at least? Can KT set out his ongoing injury problems will be a dilemma for the staff at Lennoxtown and ultimately Brendan Rodgers will have to make a judgement call on that.
KT on a loan with an option to buy in the summer
An option to buy in the summer, with the prospect of getting Tierney off their wage-bill might suit Arsenal and the player himself would have to be realistic about the money that Celtic could afford to pay him. After his lucrative time at Arsenal, KT might just want to play football again, especially for Celtic , but essentially anywhere where he is valued.
A head scratcher for Brendan
This year has been notable for Brendan Rodgers addressing key positions in the team that need strengthening and he has certainly been successful in his endeavours. His main priority come January is going to be forward planning for the left back position and he will be looking at two players either from the aforementioned names or new signings not yet been linked with a move to the Hoops.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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The January transfer market will possibly be determined by, only 3 changes allowed to the 25man CL squad already in place for ourselves?
And they are only allowed after the group phase games are finished?
We currently have far more than 3 that could be changed, that would make the overall squad, stronger than it is currently imo?
Think replacing rocki for another midfield option, would be a main priority for myself?
Mainly because I wouldn’t be confident of still having Hatate in place for next season, with having to do the CL qualification process next season?
Getting lennon Miller and loaning him back to motherwell for this season, would also have our midfield areas potentially already in place for next season in January, with the remainder of this season also better covered?
Still believe another wide option is required, and raises the question regarding Palma and his future with ourselves also?
KT is still a potential player, I believe Rodgers has in mind for January also imo?
Could replace monty or Bain in the homegrown quota also, along with buying time regarding the LB position for next season also?
Still we have 2 CL matches at the back end of January, so could be a case of where we are within the league, to see how quickly any potential deals in January, could potentially get concluded?
Alex valle yes Taylor has to relise cause he first team pick that dosent mean much if you have no competition every manager attacks Celtic left side you don’t need to be a top coach to know why Taylor panics when teams press with scales next to him we have two of our worst passers 90 percent of his passes are backwards sold the goal that allowed RB liepzig at Celtic park by misplaced clearance he has pace but still wing men get there crosses over and a ball to the back post gives opposition a free header maeda has covered for him maybe slater or him but the two are not good together