Reto Ziegler has claimed that he has been offered a deal by Celtic. The Scottish champions are yet to make a signing in this summer transfer window and Ziegler could be the first one.
The 31-year old’s contract with FC Sion has come to an end and he is now a free player. The Swiss defender is primarily a centre-back but can also play as a left-back. The defender is also on the radar of Real Betis and the 31-year-old is considering his options.
The Hoops had a very exciting season as they secured a domestic treble in Scotland. The Scottish Champions also had an emphatic Premiership season as no clubs have been able to challenge them in the Scottish first tier.
Brendan Rodger’s managerial sense seems to be getting the necessary recognition finally. Celtic had seemingly played their best football under the tutelage of Rodgers and the gaffer will be very determined to replicate the same level of excellence.
Ziegler played a pivotal part in Sion’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool back in 2015 in the Europa League. The Reds parted ways with Rodgers after this game so we could say Ziegler had played a part in his dismissal.
He also had a brief stint with Tottenham Hotspur after joining the club from Grasshoppers in 2004. He has almost played in every corner of the Europe having played for Hamburg, Wigan, Sampdoria, Juventus, Fenerbahce, Lokomotiv Moscow and Sassuolo in his brief career.
His spell at Juventus was one of the worst moves of his career. He didn’t appear in a single game for the Turin giants. The 31-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers in the Swiss league and he also has the option to renew his stay with the Swiss club. The player has been with the club for the last three years.
Celtic have been linked with a number of players and Rodgers is monitoring every available option very minutely. The gaffer would prefer quality over quantity and has apparently identified Ziegler as a potential investment.
Celtic are not amongst the sides who would invest a lot of money to bring a high profile player rather they will prefer to bring on board raw talent who can fit in with the ethos of the club.
Ziegler was in the squad as Switzerland under-17 side romped on to win the European Championship back in 2002 and he scored the penultimate spot kick. He will be hoping to again re-surface and play a meaningful role in one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
