Celtic were recently linked (Daily Record) with a move for Swedish winger Niclas Eliasson. The 24-year-old plies his trade in the English Championship for Bristol City. However, Eliasson’s agent has ruled out a move in this window given that the Robins are chasing promotion to the Premier League.
Eliasson’s agent gives transfer verdict
Player’s agent Hasan Cetinkaya was asked whether the winger could make a move this month, to which he said (The Scottish Sun), ”No, it’s going to be difficult. Bristol wants to keep him for their aims to move up. Then he has an option in his contract the club will use. Interest comes from big clubs, and major leagues and clubs are looking to buy him now, but Bristol has said no. That’s all I can say right now. But in the summer window, something big could happen to Niclas.”
Eliasson is in the final few months of his contract at the club, but Bristol City does have an option to extend for another year. The club is fighting to get him on a new contract, and it remains to be seen whether the Swedish ace would commit himself to a new deal or not.
Bristol City are currently 9th in the Championship, but they are just two points off the sixth spot which would give them a chance to enter the playoffs. Eliasson has emerged as a crucial player in Lee Johnson’s set up so far this season, and he has been in impressive form.
Losing out on Eliasson: A blow for Celtic?
Eliasson has three goals and 11 assists to his name in all competitions this campaign. The winger has predominantly played on the right flank as an inverted winger this season. However, he is equally capable of playing from the left. The Hoops lost the services of Scott Sinclair, and they are also on the verge of parting ways with Lewis Morgan.
However, Neil Lennon still has a decent amount of option on the flanks. Daniel Arzani and Marian Shved haven’t been involved much this season, and they are likely to move up in the pecking order. Celtic have James Forrest, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Ryan Christie and Michael Johnston as their primary options. Hence, we believe that the Hoops are well covered, and the latest update regarding Eliasson shouldn’t be a blow to them.
Signing a first-team player midway through the season is never easy, and with Bristol City chasing promotion, it was always going to be unlikely that Celtic would manage to get their man.
