According to the latest reports from Daily Record, Celtic are still getting linked with Sheffield United’s right back George Baldock. The fullback was linked with the Hoops a few weeks ago, but the rumours had died down. However, now it seems like signing a right back is a top priority for the club after they secured the signing of Christopher Jullien.
Reports earlier had claimed that Sheffield United could sell Baldock as they looked to rebuild their squad for the Premier League. The defender made 27 appearances down the right side of the defence in the Championship last season and managed to contribute with one goal and three assists.
Why Celtic need a right back?
Right back is one position where the club needs to add immediate options. The Hoops have been linked with plenty of right-sided fullbacks in the past one year, but they didn’t manage to seal the deal for anyone. The club was able to bring in Jeremy Toljan from Dortmund in January on loan, but he failed to impress at Parkhead. There seem to be no indications that Lennon would go for him again.
Mikael Lustig, who made that spot his own in the past few years, has already departed from the club. The Swedish defender was on a downward trajectory for quite a while, and the Bhoys decided not to offer him a new contract. From the fringes of the squad, Cristian Gamboa has also left the club. Therefore as many as three right backs have departed in this window and Lennon immediately needs to bring in options.
What can Baldock bring at Celtic Park?
The Englishman is a typical modern-day attack-minded full-back. He is known for his pace and energy in providing overlapping runs down the right. He can even play in an advanced position as well as in the right side of midfield. The 26-year-old also showcases impressive strength on and off the ball, which is an essential ingredient to thrive in the Scottish Premiership.
Will he be a good signing for Lennon?
Given the dire circumstances, almost anyone who can play as a right-back will seem like a good signing for the club. Baldock looks decent while going forward, but defensively, he has weaknesses in his game.
Fullback might be an attacking option nowadays, but still, they need to be defensively strong when they are tested at the back. We believe Celtic can look for a better player than Baldock. The 26-year-old, though, could be considered as a backup option.
