According to the latest reports from the Sun, (4/8/19; Page:67) Celtic are said to be considering a move for Hull City’s left-back Stephen Kingsley if Kieran Tierney goes on to move away from the club in this window. Tierney has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, and we will soon know about his future as the English window closes on 8th of August.
It is only right that Celtic and Neil Lennon are keeping an eye on possible replacements for the Scottish star. The club has already brought in Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo from Rapid Wien, and he has been filling in at left-back in the absence of the injured Tierney.
Kingsley moved to Hull City in 2017 from Swansea. However, the Scotsman struggled with injuries at Hull in his first season. The fullback has managed to establish himself in Nigel Adkins’ set up in the past year. The fullback made 27 appearances in all competitions last season. Hull are said to be willing to loan the player as they want to free up some wage bill.
The defender has one national cap for Scotland as he made his debut for them in 2016 against France. However, that has remained his only appearance so far at the national level. Kingsley started the first game for Hull this season where they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Swansea.
What can Kingsley bring to the table?
The Scotsman has got a decent pace, but he wouldn’t be classified as someone who is fast. The 25-year-old is more of a defensive-minded fullback, and he can even fill in as a centre back. He is physically strong and will likely cope up with the challenges of the Premiership. However, Kingsley is not the best while going forward, and that could be a concern for a club like Celtic.
What should Lennon do?
Kingsley’s signing after Tierney’s departure would be underwhelming, to say the least. The Scottish transfer window closes on second September and with money from Tierney’s sale in hand, Lennon should look to aim higher. Given the way the Hoops dominate their games, it would be advisable for them to sign an attack-minded fullback who could carry the ball from the back and link-up play with the attackers.
Kingsley is average at best, and he wouldn’t bring much competition for places for Bolingoli-Mbombo. With European competitions to contest in, one would expect Celtic to go after some better options.
