According to the latest reports from Daily Star, Celtic are keeping tabs on Ecuadorian midfielder Jose Cifuentes. Premier League champions Manchester City are also said to be interested, but Celtic have an edge in this deal as per reports. It is being said that City would struggle to secure a work permit for the 20-year-old midfielder as he is yet to be a full time international.
Moreover, the midfielder is said to be edging towards a deal to Parkhead as the youngster will have more chances to play first-team football. Earning a work permit north of the border is considered to be easier, and Cifuentes is very keen on a move to Scotland.
Cifuentes was part of Ecuador’s side which finished third in the recently concluded u-20 World Cup. Apart from City and Celtic, clubs from Germany and Italy are also said to be interested. But it is likely to come down between the Scottish and the English champions.
Celtic’s need for a midfielder
Lennon is said to be looking for a replacement for an unsettled Olivier Ntcham. The manager recently made it clear that he isn’t happy regarding the Frenchman’s comments about Celtic. We believe that Ntcham’s days are numbered at Parkhead.
The Bhoys also missed out on the signing of David Turnbull, so there is a definite need for a midfielder in the Celtic roster. The likes of Eboue Kouassi and Nir Bitton have been underwhelming in their performances. So that could also be one of the reasons why the club is on the lookout for a midfielder.
What will Cifuentes bring to the table?
The robust midfielder currently plies his trade for CD América de Quito in Ecuador’s top division. The 20-year-old plays as a defensive midfielder. Along with his strong physicality, he is also known for his on the ball qualities. That is probably one of the reasons why even a club like City are interested in him. He can pop up with some crucial goals as well from midfield.
Cifuentes has the potential to be a long term replacement for someone like Scott Brown, but it will all depend on how settles in at a new club in a new country. It’s never easy for young players to thrive in a new environment straight away so he might take some time to come good. However, the raw talent is there in Cifuentes. If he works hard and adjusts well to new conditions, then Celtic would have a gem of a signing at their disposal. Here is a little glimpse of what the Hoops might get from him.
Now THAT'S how you strike first in a #U20WC quarter-final 👏
This rocket from @FEFecuador's Jose Cifuentes is our Goal of the Day 🚀🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/QcJmnGJ624
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 8, 2019
