Celtic were comfortable winners in the game against FK Jablonec in the Europa League qualifiers early today. The game was shown on BBC Scotland with the game followed by the Scottish Cup and League Cup holders, St Johnstone, in action against Galatasaray in Istanbul. Reported Celtic target Sacha Boey found the net for Gala but it was another Celtic target Ali McCann that impressed in Turkey.
Boey, 20, was a reported target for Celtic according to Le Parisien but the talks collapsed and the club mulled over making a move for George Baldock, Aurelio Buta or Brandon Soppy. The French U18 cap completed a move to Galatasaray and scored in the 1-1 draw against Saints tonight. The player found himself in space before smashing a low drive beyond Zander Clark to level things up after Jason Kerr’s penalty gave the side an unlikely lead.
WATCH: Galatasaray equalise through Boey 👇 pic.twitter.com/rfRhKPLBqw
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) August 5, 2021
The real standout performer that Celtic should be targeting is Saints’ midfielder Ali McCann. The 21-year-old has been watched by Celtic before and could add some additional strength in the middle of the park for the club. The high energy performance against a strong Turkish side is in keeping with the incredible eighteen months that he had in the centre of the park for the Perth side. McCann would likely cost around £2m with Watford, Aston Villa and a number of other sides keeping tabs on his availability. This turnout in Europe can only increase interest in the player.
James McCarthy signed during the week on a free transfer from Crystal Palace and whilst he will add quality to the Celtic midfield. However, McCann represents incredible value for the future, securing his signature and potentially loaning him back to Callum Davidson’s Saints may not be the worst idea.
Across in the Czech Republic, Celtic were impressive but conceded two weak goals. Goals from Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, James Forrest and Ryan Christie ensured that Celtic would return to Paradise next weekend with a two-goal cushion. Ange Postecoglou and Celtic still have a number of transfers to complete with defensive frailties on show during the build-up play for the two goals that Celtic conceded.
