According to reports, Scottish giants Celtic are now eyeing a move for Championship full-back Joe Bryan as Brendan Rodgers plan on increasing his squad depth ahead of a challenging season. Celtic had an absolutely balanced display last term, where the Hoops dominated in all areas of the field. Rodgers would need a little modification to his first team before putting his side to test next term.
Following their Invincible season last term, fans and critics would be anticipating an enthralling European campaign for sure. And the most important thing to execute that perfectly would be a fully fit squad to play in the European tournament. Despite being the worst team in the group stages last term, Celtic did manage some impressive displays in the 3-3 home game against Manchester City and a 1-1 draw away from home at the Etihad Stadium.
And if Rodgers would take the positives out of that, the Irish manager does have a confident bunch at his disposal who aren’t afraid to take their chances against the strongest of opponents. Celtic conceded just 25 goals in the Premiership with young sensation Kieran Tierney making a big name for himself following some quite magnificent displays.
The 20-year-old is surely a promising talent, who Rodgers would hope to field against the best talents on the grand stage. But, the backup option of 31-year-old Honduras international Emilio Izaguirre is what concerns him. The aged leg is approaching the dusk of his career and needs a potential replacement, which could be taken by the Scottish full-back, Bryan.
The 23-year-old has been one of the better performers in the Championship last term. He is an established player in Bristol City side at such a young age, and played 49 games for them last season, scoring once and assisting five times.
An academy product of Bristol City, Bryan had to undergo loan stints with Bath City and League Two side Plymouth. He broke into Bristol’s first team back in 2013 and has since been a regular face in the side. His pace on and off the ball and intelligent vision make him an interesting prospect for many English clubs that include just-relegated side, Sunderland.
Rodgers are also in increasing fears of losing Tierney this summer with numerous Premier League sides eyeing him, and Bryan could be yet another part of the contingency plan. Bryan is yet to play a single time in Scottish national team and a move to Celtic would surely make that dream come true. His contract with Bristol City ends in 2019 and the club might be willing to sell him this summer itself for a good amount.
