According to Ian McGarry, a renowned football recruitment consultant, Everton are set to wrap up the deal for Celtic‘s fullback Kieran Tierney. The 21-year-old is the best left back in the Scottish Premiership by a mile and after his performances in the last few years, this was bound to happen as Tierney is too good a player to play in the Scottish division.
Tierney has won PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year three times in a row now. Brendan Rodgers is set to demand £25m for the player, however, reports suggest that Everton won’t be willing to go in upward of £20m for the player as he is untested in the English Premier League.
However, Ian McGarry believes that the player will be worth it. He said,”I think there’s more to him than Andy (Robertson). Andy’s been brilliant for Liverpool and will continue to improve, but I think Tierney has more natural talent to his game. He reminds me of Ashley Cole. Cole, despite his slight physique, could attack like a left winger and had a brilliant turn of pace as well, but he was a terrier in defence. Tierney reminds me of him, and Cole is probably the best left-back of the Premier League era.”
With Celtic set to lose out on Tierney, we look at three possible replacements Rodgers can go after.
Joe Bryan
The Bristol City left-back has been a revelation for the Robins at the back and one can consider him as one of the best fullbacks in the Championship. He is still just 24, which means his best years are still to come and Celtic can make a move for him to exploit that. He managed a healthy return of 7 goals and 3 assists and will be an able replacement for Tierney. However, the Bhoys will have to move in quick for him as there are quite a few clubs who are vying for his signature.
Diego Laxalt
The Uruguayan international was the mainstay for his side down the left in the World Cup. The 25-year-old currently plies his trade for Italian outfit Genoa. He stood firm in most of the games for his country and has certainly enhanced his reputation. The Hoops can certainly consider making a move for him.
Read more: Celtic Ready To Battle For 21 Y/O Liverpool Midfielder: What Will He Add To Rodgers’ Side?
Yannick Gerhardt
The German fullback from Wolfsburg made 21 appearances in all competitions last season. He is a solid defender first and thwarts away opposition attacks well. He can work further on the attacking side of his game but he will be a good fit at Celtic Park for Rodgers given the talent the 24-year-old possesses.
