Over the years, we have seen Celtic striking some amazing Bosman transfers mainly due to the fact that they do not have overflowing funds available at their disposal. Unlike the Premier League clubs, most Scottish Premiership clubs are run with very tight budget constraints and Celtic are no exception which is why you will see them looking for free agents rather than players who will command a fee. As per reports from Turkish media house Fotomac, Celtic are looking to sign Fenerbahce left-back Hasan Ali Kaldirim in the summer on a free transfer after his contract runs out with the Istanbul club.
Fotomac claim that Celtic have already contacted the player over a potential three-year-contract in Glasgow. The deal is said to be worth around £1.6 million-a-year and will see him stay at Parkhead until at least 2020. The Daily Record reported in June that Celtic wanted the Turkish international but were brushed aside by the demand of a £2m fee for the 27-year-old. Now that he will be available for nothing in the next summer, Celtic are looking to pounce on the opportunity.
Well, Celtic looking for a left-back is no surprise at all. Kieran Tierney, the first-choice left back at Parkhead, is wanted by clubs like Chelsea and Bayern Munich and the player has openly stated that he is flattered by such interest. On the other hand, Emilio Izaguirre, the backup option, is unlikely to stay at Celtic post this season. His contract is up for expiry in the summer of 2017 and it is very unlikely that either party will want to extend the deal.
Hasan Ali Kaldirim is a highly experienced left-back and would be a good upgrade on Izaguirre. Izaguirre was a pretty quality player but is past his peak quite evidently. He is 30 now and has not managed to impress Rodgers whenever he was given the opportunity. He had plenty of chances coming his way with Kieran Tierney being out with injury but has not made a good use of it.
Ali Kaldirim, a German-born left-back who is capped 16 times for the Turkish national team, is known to be an attacking full-back, exactly what Rodgers likes. He is also a pretty versatile player and is capable of playing in central midfield and as a winger. He is known for his excellent eye for crossing and can score a decent number of goals as well. On a free transfer, this would be an exceptional deal.
