According to the reports from The Scottish Daily Mail (13/08 print edition, pages 79/80), Copenhagen’s right back Peter Ankersen is in contention to join Celtic this summer. This is not the first time that the Hoops are being linked with a move for the Danish defender as rumours regarding him joining have been doing the round for some time now.
The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and club manager Stale Solbakken had revealed earlier that Ankersen is likely to depart from the club in the summer. Ankersen has been a 22 times Denmark international and has played for Copenhagen regularly in the last few years.
Right-back has been a problematic area for Lennon for quite some time now. The club brought in Hatem Abd Elhamed who has looked decent in that position. However, the Hoops lost as many as three right-sided fullbacks this summer, so we expect another right back to come in before the transfer window closes down.
Elhamed is a versatile option, and he hasn’t been used a lot as a right back in his career. So maybe Ankersen could be seen as a first-choice option, and the Israel international might end up as the backup.
What will Ankersen add to Celtic’s team?
The 28-year-old was an integral member of the team which won the Danish Superliga last season. Ankersen made 47 appearances in all competitions and contributed with one goal and eight assists last season. The defender is an experienced player in the European competitions as well as he has played for the likes of RB Salzburg, Rosenborg and Vejle Boldklub. Ankersen has played plenty of Europa League games along with a few Champions League appearances as well so he knows what it takes to thrive at the top level.
The fullback is known for his energy and pace, and he is a player who always looks to make something happen when he gets on the ball. Ankersen contributes consistently in the attacking build-up and can hold his own at the back as well. However, the physicality and the aggressive nature of the Premiership might not suit him.
A good option for Lennon?
Ankersen will be a reliable option, and he could come in rather cheap as he is in the final year of his contract. However, he won’t be a long term option as he will turn 29 soon. We think that Celtic can aim higher as they should have funds to play with after Kieran Tierney’s departure. Nevertheless, Ankersen will be a steady signing.
