A major ingredient in a club’s development is the ability of the club to spot and more importantly invest on the right players. In the modern era, where big money transfers have become the norm and a scouting network that has spread like a web to an extent that even a prospect with a glimpse of promise is snapped up in the blink of an eye, it is important for the clubs with lesser funds to find the right targets and more importantly use them well to win matches and championships. This is what makes the report of James McClean to Celtic an important move for the Hoops. McClean is very eager on a move to Parkhead who will want to snap him up as well.
For Celtic, it is not regular to think that a side who lost 7-1in Europe in one midweek to be playing a domestic cup final that very same weekend. However, Celtic’s domestic performances have been very contrasting to their European form this season. While in the Scottish Premier League they have been nothing but ruthless and dominating, their Champions League adventure has seen them struggle in front of the European powerhouses.
Celtic have won fourteen and drawn six in the league and lost just once. However, as one might recall, they opened their Champions League campaign with a heavy defeat drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint Germain and were again reminded of the difference in class between the two sides in their last outing when they were thrashed 7-1. They, however, still clinched the third spot and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League, once again reminding Europe that they are there. With the club managing to hang around in Europe and a domestic season where they look set to clinch another title, a new addition to the team is not the worst idea.
As for McClean, the 28 year old Irish winger who plays on the left wing moved to West Bromwich back in 2015 from Wigan Athletic. He has had an unhappy time this season with McClean failing to register a single goal or assist in 20 outings. It is being reported he is unhappy at West Bromwich Albion and instead wants to secure a move to Celtic, a club he declared last month he is eager to play for before his career ends.
Celtic have naturally been installed as the favourites to land the player who West Bromwich Albion might now be keen to cash in on despite rejecting an eight million dollar bid from Burnley last summer.
