It’s no secret now that Celtic are looking for a left-back as we draw closer and closer to the shutting of this year’s summer transfer window. Greg Taylor nor Alexandro Bernabei have looked entirely comfortable in the role and Taylor in particular, looks like a fish out of water in a traditional full-back position since Brendan Rodgers changed the inverted style favoured by Ange Postecoglou.
We have been linked with a move for Quentin Merlin of FC Nantes, however, those rumours have been conflicting according to different sources on the matter. It’s clear though that if Rodgers is to change permanently from the inverted role used by his predecessor, then the Hoops will need to find a profile of player that suits the marauding wing-back or full-back mould.
One man who could potentially step in and do a job for Celtic would be Rodgers’ former player at Leicester City, Ryan Bertrand. The 34-year-old has recently departed the King Power Stadium having spent two years there since being bought by the now Bhoys’ manager. The full-back has a plethora of experience at the top-level and would be a cost-effective move as he is now a free agent.
Currently training with Chelsea’s Development squad, the ex-Southampton and Bournemouth man is also a UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea, back in 2012 when Roberto Di Matteo was boss. Bertrand even scored one of the penalties in the shootout against Bayern Munich that year as the North London side won their first European Cup.
The player is fully fit, according to Fabrizio Romano and now he’s on the lookout for his next footballing home. The transfer expert states that there is definite interest in Bertrand’s services from Europe, England and the Middle East, and with him being fully fit, he would be able to go straight into the team which is another huge bonus if we were to make a play for the Englishman.
We could do with a player of that experience at the backline just now with all our current injury woes. With Rodgers already having known the player from before his Leicester City days when he was in charge at Chelsea’s youth teams, a reunion in Paradise could be just what the doctor ordered.
Ryan Bertrand, fully fit and now training at Chelsea loan development group 🏴
Bertrand will be making a decision on his next step interest from England, Europe and Middle East — as he’s free agent now. pic.twitter.com/fStyxWroWZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2023
Paul Gillespie
