According to a recent report from the Scottish Sun, Celtic are keeping tabs on Hearts’ fullback Aaron Hickey. The report mentions that even Crystal Palace are looking for this ‘cheap steal’. The Jambos are currently going through a financial turmoil, and they requested players to take a 50 percent pay cut. That could lead to a cheap deal for Hickey in the upcoming transfer window. The young fullback is contracted to stay at the Tynecastle side until 2021, but amid financial turmoil, there is no new deal on the cards yet for the fullback.
The report even adds that Hickey can become a free agent if Hearts can’t pay his wages in the coming months. The 17-year-old is known as a life long Celtic fan. He left Celtic’s u-17 side in 2018 to move back to Hearts where he started initially. Celtic had included a 30-per-cent sell-on clause when the fullback moved back to Hearts.
At just 17, he has been more or less regular for the Jambos at left-back this season. Hickey has made 30 appearances in all competitions contributing with one goal and one assist. Premier League outfit like Southampton and Manchester City are known as long term admirers of the fullback.
Does Celtic need a new left-back?
Celtic signed two left-backs last summer in the form of Greg Taylor and Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo. Jonny Hayes has also played there this season, but the Irishman’s contract is expiring soon. It is not yet clear whether Celtic would offer him a new deal or not.
As things stand, we believe that the Hoops might allow Hayes to leave on a free transfer once the season is over. So maybe Lennon sees Hickey as a long term replacement for Hayes.
Should Celtic go after him?
Hickey is an attack-minded fullback, and he has gained a decent amount of experience playing top-flight football at just 17. The fact that a club of Manchester City’s stature are interested in him shows his talent. The young Scottish ace has also displayed his versatility for the Jambos this campaign as he has played as a right-back and as a right midfielder when required.
Hickey can carry the ball well from the back, and he seems like a committed defender. Hence, we think that Celtic are right in considering a deal for him. With Hickey being a Celtic fan, maybe that could work in the Glasgow club’s favour with some stiff competition for his signature.
