Celtic required a winger in the January transfer window, and they were linked (Daily Record) with a move for Bristol City’s winger Niclas Eliasson. However, the winger stayed put with the English club. A few weeks back reports (Bristol Post) emerged that Celtic will look at Eliasson in the summer again.
Positive Update for Celtic
Now, Bristol City’s manager Lee Johnson has given a positive update from Celtic’s point of view. Eliasson is in the final few months of his contract with the club, and he will become a free agent soon. Johnson was asked about an update on Eliasson’s contract situation to which he said (Bristol Post), ” No, not that I know of.”
Reports had earlier came out that Eliasson was likely to leave in the summer. With Johnson now updating that they are still no closer to tying him up on a new deal, Celtic will have an excellent chance of snapping the Bristol City ace up on a free transfer in the summer.
Why Celtic need wingers?
The Hoops allowed the likes of Scott Sinclair and Lewis Morgan to depart from the club in January. Mohamed Elyounoussi is also here on a loan spell, so Celtic will need to bring in a new winger in the summer to bolster their attacking options.
What are Eliasson’s qualities?
Bristol City are fighting to get in the playoffs, and they have done relatively well. Swedish winger Eliasson has played a significant role as he has grabbed 12 assists in the Championship so far, which is the highest number of assists in the English second division.
Eliasson is a left-footed winger who can play on both the flanks. The 24-year-old’s standout features are his pace and ability to go past players. His blistering speed from the wings would certainly give defenders in the Premiership a hard time.
However, as we know just going past players isn’t good enough to be a top footballer and what really matters is a winger’s ability to put his head up and pick the right pass in the final third. That is another area where Eliasson can thrive as he has an eye for a key pass, and he is also reliable with his set-piece deliveries. The Swedish ace is also efficient when it comes to tracking back and helping his side in defence. He is currently at the peak of his career and has the right amount of experience under his belt.
On a free transfer, Eliasson would be a shrewd signing for the Bhoys and Lennon should certainly consider making a move for him in the summer.
