Celtic are undeniably undergoing a season which shall be inked in the pages of history as one of the most fantastic campaigns for the Scottish giants. The Bhoys have piled up a lead of 25 points over second-placed Aberdeen and are well and truly on course to clinch the Ladbrokes Premiership in the most remarkable of manners.
However, they do not really have the financial muscle to refrain themselves from the lucrative temptations which are likely to be offered to them to exchange of their prolific goal-getter Moussa Dembele. The Frenchman has been in stellar form and has been linked, time and again, with European heavyweights and his move away from the Celtic Park is seemingly evident once the summer transfer window kicks in.
Brendan Rodgers needs to keep the high-spirited momentum going next season as well and most importantly, he needs to ensure that they act in a shrewd manner in the summer. Of course, they would need to look for a poacher with predatory instincts up front but an attacking midfielder who can chip in with goals on a regular basis also holds priority. Apparently, one of the latest names to get linked with the Celts is Adelaide United’s Riley McGree.
The 18-year-old midfielder came up through the ranks of Gawler Eagles and the Football Federation South Australian National Training Centre and was eventually signed by Adelaide United. Plying his trade for the A-League champions, the Reds, McGree has been a revelation this season and is touted as the next big thing to emerge from the Australian football setup. Interestingly, he was included in the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and the United Arab Emirates under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou.
He is far from being a complete package but has shown his high-class calibre so far, which includes his energetic displays through the middle, ability to knit the side together as a unit, knack to cover every blade of grass on the pitch and charismatic attitude of being a perfect box-to-box midfielder.
Moreover, he can also be deployed on the wings and his versatility would be an appreciative trait for the white and green crops if a move actually materialises.
Celtic already have an Australian maestro in the shape of Tom Rogic and alongside the currently injured midfielder, McGree can really acclimatise himself to the Scottish football and will have the requisite guidance as well.
Besides, a move to a well-acclaimed side like the Hoops should actually tempt McGree as well. His contract with Adelaide United expires next summer, which implies that Rodgers can really negotiate a transfer fee for luring this youngster into his ranks.
