Celtic appear to be searching in Africa for more gems in the transfer market, according to several reports. The Bhoys have been criticised somewhat for their latest recruitment drive in the summer transfer window, with many questions still remaining over the suitability of some of those young players that were recruited to help Brendan Rodgers on his return to Glasgow’s East End.
With the sale of Jota leaving a considerably large void in the starting line-up, a large section of the support have been less than impressed with those that have been recruited in his absence. Luis Palma could well grow into that role and has shown the most promise out of all the additions in that respect, but doubts linger over others that have joined the ranks.
There’s no denying that Celtic’s policy is now to buy young, develop, and then sell-on for a fee many times what we initially paid for said players. It’s one which has had its fair share of returns, but also, undeniably, it has saw a major turnover of players who haven’t quite made the grade at Celtic Park and money has flown down the drain.
This latest news that the club are monitoring South African wonderkid, Luke Baartman, from Cape Town Spurs, will likely not elicit feelings of major excitement amongst the fanbase but nevertheless shows that we are at least scouting alternative markets. The 17-year-old striker is apparently being tracked by a host of clubs, according to the Scottish Sun, and the Hoops have sent representatives to watch him in action.
Whilst the immediate future sees a need for first-team starters when the January transfer window opens, it’s good to know that the club are also on top of planning ahead for the next generation of Celtic stars. Baartman may be young, but the starts of the future in modern football are being snapped up earlier and earlier these days. Endrick, Bellingham and Mbappe are just a few who are destined for greatness and have been scouted and procured at very early stages in their careers by big clubs.
It’s a road Celtic should be trying to explore more often.
Paul Gillespie
Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ is published by Celtic Star Books and is available to order HERE or you can pick up a copy at any official Celtic store.
