Reports in Italian media as cited by Wales Online suggests that Swansea City’s link with Atlanta’s right back Timothy Castagne has been strengthened and the Championship outfit is in discussion with their Italian counterpart for a deal. However, the report also states that the deal is complicated as both the parties want something different.
It is reported that the Swans want a loan deal and Atlanta wish to sell him permanently. The player’s agent also gave a clear indication that his client is looking to move and was quoted as saying, ”Fiorentina and Lazio follow him. They’re looking for a player of his characteristics. We’re evaluating a team change in January, but Atalanta asks for 6million euros. We’ll see what happens.”
It’s interesting to note that amongst all this, Celtic’s name is nowhere in the picture. Even the latest reports from the Italian media ignores the Hoops’ involvement. It seems like Celtic’s interest for the full-back has taken a back seat, and we believe Rodgers might be making a big mistake here.
The fact that a club like Swansea is already in talks suggests that the player is there for the taking and Brendan Rodgers shouldn’t waste any time in making an official approach for him. The player and the agent both look keen on finding a new club, and the Hoops should pounce on this opportunity.
Getting beaten by Swansea City in the transfer market would be just bad for Celtic as the Glaswegian giants can offer European football and a chance to win regular trophies to the right back. Also, the asking price seems to be in Celtic’s range, and Rodgers should try to solve his team’s right back woes.
Mikael Lustig has been well below par for quite some time and even Cristian Gamboa doesn’t instil confidence in the manager or the fans. Both of them are in the last six months of their deal, and it seems likely that Celtic might not extend their stay beyond this season (Our opinion).
Castagne is still just 23 and is already a Belgian international. The right-back has everything in his arsenal which should make him a hit in the Scottish Premiership. Most modern day full backs are attacking in nature and so is Castagne, but what sets the Belgian apart is his defensive work. Rodgers will have a long term solution to their right back woes, and the club definitely needs to step up their pursuit of the defender as currently, Swansea and Italian clubs look more keen in pulling off a deal for him.
