According to the reports from Tuttosport as cited by the Express, Celtic have been offered a chance to sign Manchester City’s attacker Ian Poveda. English club Leeds United are also said to be interested, but the report mentions that Serie A outfit Torino are leading the race to sign Poveda.
The 19-year-old is currently in the final few months of his contract at the club and City are interested in selling him this month so to not lose him on a free transfer in the summer. Poveda is currently an England u-20 international. Reports mention that City are keen on inserting a buy-back clause in the deal.
Why are City offering Poveda to Celtic?
As a result, they want to do business for Poveda with a club who they have good relations with. That is one of the reasons Poveda is being offered to Celtic as Manchester City believe that negotiations with the Scottish heavyweights would turn out to be much smoother as they would be able to insert a buy-back clause on Poveda’s deal.
Celtic have brought in quite a few players from the English heavyweights over the past few years. Currently, they have Daniel Arzani on loan who is officially a Manchester City player.
Celtic can reportedly sign Poveda for a small transfer fee or even free if City have the power over the youngster’s future. Poveda is a left-footed inverted winger who likes to play from the right flank. Poveda also had a brief spell with Barcelona’s youth team.
Does Celtic need someone like Poveda?
Celtic recently parted ways with Scott Sinclair and Lewis Morgan who used to play on the flanks. Their departure would bring someone like Marian Shved more closer to first-team football. Poveda would also be a decent addition but its hard to see him getting a lot of game time at Celtic with Ryan Christie and James Forrest being preferred on the right-hand side. Daniel Arzani is another player who will make a claim to that spot once he is up to full groove. So signing a right-winger isn’t a necessity for the Bhoys at the moment.
Should Lennon go for him?
The transfer fee involved is going to be less, and the fact that it could even be a free transfer means that this would be a low-risk signing. Poveda is known for his silky smooth footwork, and he showcases brilliant on the ball quality in tight spaces. He also has an eye for a pass and can play in an attacking role in midfield as well. We believe that the 19-year-old is worth going after.
