Celtic are having a busy summer in terms of transfer business despite a slow start. The champions have roped in Christopher Julien, Luca Connell and Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo. However, the long-stretched saga over the transfer of David Turnbull resulted in a breakdown of talks. They are now in the market for an alternative, and according to Daily Record, Brentford skipper Romaine Sawyers has emerged as one of their prime targets after impressing in the English second tier.
The 27-year-old Saint Kitts and Nevis midfielder, valued at around £2.5m, progressed through the youth ranks of West Bromwich Albion. But he never made it at the Hawthorns and eventually joined Walsall on a permanent one-year deal upon being released by the Baggies. There he enjoyed significant strides under Dean Smith which led to a reunion with his former boss at Brentford back in the summer of 2016.
Sawyers, so far, has made 135 appearances for the Bees and exhibited his versatility in the middle of the park. Although he failed to find the net last season, his creative spark along with vision and artistry created many chances for the likes of Neal Maupay, Saïd Benrahma and Sergi Canos high up the pitch.
The Hoops, meanwhile, might have to reshuffle their midfield amid the uncertainty over the future of Tom Rogic and Olivier Ntcham. Skipper Scott Brown, in his mid-thirties, won’t be there for long whereas teenager Luca Connell should be given ample time to adjust to new surroundings following his breakthrough campaign with Bolton Wanderers.
The Brentford ace is regarded for his high work ethics, smart decision making, passing and through balls. He loves to run with the ball, and take on opponents with his movement and swift footwork. His languid style of play invites trouble at times, but the player, on his day, is unbeatable due to his sheer excellence while orchestrating the flow from the centre of the pitch.
The Bhoys, nevertheless, should focus on other areas too, particularly the right-back role following the exit of both Mikael Lustig and his understudy Cristian Gamboa.
A new-look ‘back four’ is likely to be unveiled next season incorporating Julien and Mbombo as the potential replacement of Dedryck Boyata and Kieran Tierney (as the latter is closing in on a move to Arsenal). Yet the inclusion of Sawyers should be prioritised to cherish the Caribbean calypso at Celtic Park.
