According to the reports from the Shields Gazette, Celtic have shown interest in signing Newcastle United’s midfielder Ki Sung-yueng. Reports add that Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is keen to move on the South Korean ace, who is surplus to requirements. Ki’s former club Swansea City are also said to be in the mix.
However, his wage of £60,000/week could act as a detractor to both the interested parties. The midfielder is in the final few months of his contract and United have only a few hours to gain a transfer fee for him. Otherwise, they run the risk of losing him for free in the summer.
The midfielder has started in just one game in the Premier League this season. The former Sunderland ace is also down with an injury at the moment.
Does Celtic need midfielders?
The Bhoys have struggled with injuries this season, but they have had a steady midfield partnership throughout their campaign so far. Scott Brown and Callum McGregor are going strong, and Brown has surprised everyone with his fitness and endurance. The captain is 34, but he is still playing week in week out in every competition for the Bhoys.
Apart from them, Celtic can call upon the services of Olivier Ntcham, who is also an exciting option to start in the middle. Nir Bitton who has filled in as a centre back this season is primarily a defensive midfielder, and he can also do a job when required. The Hoops have also gone on to secure the signing of Ismaila Soro in this window who is highly regarded. Hence, we don’t see the need for Celtic to go after a midfielder.
Why Ki’s signing would be unnecessary?
Moreover, Ki is more of a defensive-minded midfielder, and he is already 31. The South Korean has been on a decline, and he has been on the fringes of the squad this season. He might be able to do a job for the Bhoys in the middle, but Celtic are better off with the options they already have in midfield. The midfielder has barely featured this campaign, and so one can expect him to be rusty as well.
Moreover, the midfielder’s wage demands could also be an issue, and Celtic don’t need to disrupt their wage structure to sign a player who is on a decline. Hence, we believe that Lennon should give this signing a miss and they should instead give a young option like Soro a chance when the opportunity arises.
