According to the latest reports from Daily Mail, Celtic have opened up talks with Sheffield United’s right back George Baldock. The 26-year-old has one year left on his contract, and even though Sheffield moved to the Premier League, Baldock could be sold in the summer as a part of squad rebuilding.
The right-back made 27 appearances in the Championship last season and contributed with one goal and three assists. He can even play in an advanced role down the right side of the midfield as he is more of an attack-minded full-back.
Why Celtic need a right back?
Celtic’s right back problems are well known, and they have been after a right-sided fullback for the past year now. They haven’t had much success and had to use Mikael Lustig for the most part of last season. The Swedish defender struggled against decent sides, especially in the Europa League, and it is clear that his best years are behind him.
The Bhoys signed Jeremy Toljan on loan in January, but the German defender struggled big time defensively, and Lustig was able to win back his place after he was out for a brief period. However, if Celtic want to improve, they need to look at a long term option who can be solid both defensively as well as going forward.
Lustig’s contract is set to come to an end soon, and he is likely to leave the club. Toljan’s loan spell is also ending, and Cristian Gamboa who was hardly used as a right-back is also going to depart from the club. Therefore the club might need to sign two new right backs in the summer.
What will Baldock bring to Parkhead?
The 26-year-old is known for his impressive pace and ability to carry the ball out from the back. Physically too, he should be able to cope up with the challenges of the Premiership. The former MK Dons defender is often full of energy down the flank, and he can make lung-bursting runs.
Cons of signing him?
The fullback has now become an attacking position, but they still need to be defensively strong when they are called upon. Baldock looks vulnerable defensively as he is prone to going into rash tackles and challenges. His positioning can also be off on occasions.
What should Celtic do?
Baldock will not be the worst signing, but we believe that Celtic can do better. Toljan also came with a big reputation as he was coming from Dortmund and the German too impressed with his pace and attacking displays on occasions. However, he was often caught out defensively. Something like that can also happen with Baldock.
