According to the latest reports from Birmingham Live, Celtic are likely to complete the signing of West Bromwich Albion’s midfielder Rekeem Harper. Celtic’s manager had seen him from close quarters during the playoff semi-finals against Aston Villa, and since then, the English midfielder has been linked with a move to Glasgow.
Harper is set to be out of contract soon, and he is going to be available on a free transfer. The 19-year-old made 23 appearances for the Baggies last season, and he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for them. West Brom rates him highly, and they offered the youngster a chance to sign a new deal. However, Harper refused to sign a new contract which indicates that he is looking for a move away from the Hawthorns.
Reports earlier had claimed that Championship winners and new Premier League entrants Norwich City and Champions League runners-up Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in his signature. The fact that two sides from the Premier League and one heavyweight side are after him suggests that the midfielders is highly rated.
Albion reportedly can’t do more as they have tabled their best offer for him and it’s up to the midfielder to decide on what he is going to do.
What will Harper bring to the table at Celtic Park?
Typically a central midfielder, Harper has played as a defensive as well as an attacking midfielder in his short career so far. Therefore he is a versatile midfielder who can fill in various roles in midfield. Harper is also an u-19 England international, and he is known for his robustness, pace and dribbling skills.
The youngster uses his body well to shield the ball, and that often makes it hard for the opponents to dispossess him. He is not yet a finished product and might take some time to settle in at the club. However, on a free transfer, he can be a shrewd signing for the Bhoys.
Does Lennon need him?
Olivier Ntcham is attracting plenty of interest in the transfer market. After a poor season, we feel that if Celtic gets a substantial bid from prospective clubs, then they could look to sell the Frenchman. Harper can be a suitable replacement for him in the middle of the park as he is a dynamic midfielder like Ntcham. The latest reports of him being likely to move to Celtic should delight the fans, and they can expect a lot of things from the Englishman in the future once he adapts to the Premiership.
