Celtic have been heavily linked with an £8m move for LAFC’s Mateusz Bogusz, who featured in their 3-1 defeat to Columbus Crew on Sunday evening. The ex-Leeds United midfielder set up Olivier Giroud for the equaliser but was helpless as Columbus Crew scored twice in injury time to win the MLS Leagues Cup.
Celtic have reportedly lodged a formal bid with the Californian side as Brendan Rodgers eyes two midfielders to replace Matt O’Riley, who left for Brighton in a £30m deal that was concluded yesterday afternoon.
And Celtic this morning placed a £5m bid for Sheffield United’ s American left-sided central defender Auston Trusty, with the player reportedly keen on the move to Celtic, with the mouthwatering prospect of Champions League football.
The Celtic Star were able to ask SBI Soccer’s Managing Editor, Larry Henry Jr, on the lowdown on Bogusz and Trusty as well as considering another options from the US who could flourish in this Celtic team.
Larry, you may recall, covered the three Celtic matches in the United States this summer and was something of a lucky charm for the Hoops, overseeing three fantastic wins against BC United, Chelsea and Manchester City, scoring four goals in each of the three victories.
Here’s Larry’s lowdown on Mateusz Bogusz who could well be a Celtic player by Friday evening…
The Celtic Star: What can Celtic fans expect from Bogusz?
Larry Henry Jr: “Bogusz is a livewire of a player. He is not afraid to take on opposing defenders of put himself in the danger of tackles. He is always going to create shots for himself but also for his teammates. Bogusz would be a good fit for the way that Celtic likes to play.”
The Celtic Star: Is there anyone that Celtic supporters can relate the Pole to, in terms of style of play?
Larry Henry Jr: “He reminds me of Patrick Roberts/James Forrest in a sense because both players could create things and also work hard for the good of the team. Bogusz is a nonstop runner and could be a real threat for SPFL defenders.”
The Celtic Star: We’ve seen Bogusz play as a second striker, as a right winger and as a central midfielder, what is his best position?
Larry Henry Jr: “I believe his best position is on the right wing. Being able to cut inside is something that Bogusz likes to do a lot and his versatility as an attacker makes it tough for defenders to try and slow him down.”
The Celtic Star: The last arrival from LAFC was Jose Cifuentes, who failed to live up to the hype of his signing, what sets Bogusz apart from Cifuentes?
Larry Henry Jr: “I think teams are always looking for attacking weapons and Bogusz is a more of a lively attacker compared to Cifuentes who did more work in midfield. Bogusz has a higher ceiling than Cifuentes and it shows by the continuous interest that clubs have in him.”
The Celtic Star: Bogusz is touted as a likely candidate in the Poland National Team, is it expected that he’ll continue to progress if he were to play Champions League football?
Larry Henry Jr: “I believe so. Being able to play in the world’s best competitions will only help you as a player so I’d expect that a move to Celtic would help Bogusz in being a consistent call-up for Poland. MLS isn’t on the level of the SPFL or many of Europe’s leagues so a transfer abroad could be what helps Bogusz in taking his game to the next level.”
The Celtic Star: The fee is a reported £8m, which represents a decent outlay, is it a fair value for the player?
Larry Henry Jr: “Yes I believe Bogusz is worth that price. He has made a good impact at LAFC, being a part of the team’s rise to one of MLS’ consistent title challengers. LAFC won MLS Cup in 2022, lost in 2023, and has a good shot to make it back in 2024, however, if Bogusz leaves, it could create a major hole in Steve Cherundolo’s squad.”
The Celtic Star: What has the development of Bogusz been like in the MLS?
Larry Henry Jr: “He has come from a bench option in 2023 to a consistent starter/producer in 2024. 17 goals in 2024 is a great haul for a winger and he has the second half of the MLS season, and playoffs to add to that total. Bogusz has fit the LAFC mold and risen to the occasion big time after moving from Spain.”
The Celtic Star: Celtic have also been linked with USMNT central defender Auston Trusty, would he be a good addition for Celtic?
Larry Henry Jr: “Auston Trusty played consistent in the Premier League last season and shockingly has been on the bench for two of Sheffield United’s three league matched this season. He is a tall defender, who is good in the air, and smart out of the back. I think he could be a good addition for the Celtic backline, especially teaming with Cameron Carter-Vickers.”
The Celtic Star: What can the support expect from him? Is he someone that would link up well with fan favourite Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Larry Henry Jr: “I think Auston would link up well with CCV. Both players are trying to force their way into the long-term USMNT picture and winning trophies/playing consistently will help in that quest. Celtic fans would appreciate Trusty’s focus on defence first and trying to help the club keep clean sheets.”
The Celtic Star: Are there any other talents in the MLS that Celtic should consider?
Larry Henry Jr: “It’s tough to say because it depends on where else Celtic want to improve their squad. Philadelphia Union midfielder Jack McGlynn is a talented prospect, who has been linked with a move to Europe already. McGlynn has featured heavily for the Union over the past three seasons and has an impressive left foot and passing range. He has a top soccer IQ and could be a nice addition to the Celtic midfield, while also learning from several proven veterans. Whether or not Philadelphia wants to sell though, is another question.”
If you’re reading this Brendan, have a look at Jack McGlynn…
