Norwich City journalist David Freezer writing for the Pink un suggests that Celtic are in the mix with numerous other clubs to sign Linfield’s youngster Charlie Allen. The 15-year-old has also been linked with Celtic’s arch-rivals Rangers as well where he already had a trial in February and represented their u-17 youth team. From the Premier League, heavyweights like Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham are said to be interested along with Norwich and Leicester City.
Allen is a Northern Ireland youth international, and he has even started representing Linfield’s senior team. The 15-year-old was involved in the 25 man squad for the Champions League qualifier tie against Rosenborg. He wasn’t able to make it to the final matchday squad, but the fact that he was in contention to play a European tie at 15 is a significant achievement in itself.
Allen’s manager on his future
Linfield’s manager David Healy is aware of Allen’s capabilities, and he is prepared to lose him in the next one year. Healy had said, ”He’s still young, developing and has a lot to learn, but I know, in time, Charlie won’t see his 17th or 18th birthday at Linfield. He will be elsewhere. Our plan is to guide him the best way for the next 12 months when he is here.”
What is Allen capable of?
The 15-year-old is an attacking midfielder, and he can lead the line up top as well. Allen is known as a clinical finisher in and around the box, and he also showcases a terrific work rate.
His major appearances have come in youth teams so far so it remains to be seen whether he would be able to make a significant impact when he transitions to the senior level. However, with the kind of clubs that are interested in him, it suggests that he is being seen as a generational talent.
Can Celtic sign him?
Big Premier League clubs might have the financial muscle to lure the youngster, but a club like Celtic might be able to give him better development and first-team opportunities. The youngster should be looking to move to a club where he can play at the senior level, and Celtic have a history of promoting young talents.
He will first have to prove his worth in the youth teams, and if he does that, then he can be given a chance like 16-year-old Karamoko Dembele was given his senior debut last season. It remains to be seen now which option Allen will choose in the next few months.
