According to a recent report by the Daily Record, Premiership giants Celtic have been put on alert as former target Alberth Elis has expressed a desire to move to Europe from the MLS at the end of his contract tenure in December. The report suggests that the Parkhead club had placed a £3m bid for the winger’s signature last season, but that it was denied by the MLS. In fact, it was former Celtic ace and Elis’ Honduran teammate Emilio Izaguirre who clarified that the Bhoys were interested, as had been reported by the Daily Record.
Clarifying that Celtic are keen on Alberth Elis, Izaguirre formerly conceded that they had asked him about the Houston Dynamo speedster ‘multiple times’. Expressing his desire to move to Europe, Elis said, “My dream is to be able to go to Europe and this is my chance. This is a real opportunity and I think I will make the decision that I will leave Houston and give Europe a go. There are a few teams we are already talking to in Europe and Houston have also made me a contract offer, a very good one too.”
What Would Alberth Elis Add To The Celtic Attack?
At just 24-years-old, the MLS ace has already notched up a stellar 42 caps for Honduras at on the international stage, scoring ten times along the way as well. This record alone proves that the forward has the quality required to perform at the highest level. Despite being a right-winger by position, the Houston Dynamo man consistently contributes in the final third of the pitch.
Over the last three American league seasons, the forward has registered a total of 30 goals and 21 assists, and that kind of potency could be exactly what this Celtic team needs in the final third.
The Celts don’t boast the best depth in the wide positions, and the summer departure of veteran speedster Jonny Hayes is sure to have an impact on the side as well. Add in the fact that Daniel Arzani is set to return to Manchester City, and that summer signing Maryan Shved has turned out to be a massive letdown, the addition of a quality winger like Elis could go a long way for Neil Lennon’s side next season. Even with James Forrest, Michael Johnston and Ryan Christie all available, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to have a more dynamic option in the ranks.
The Honduran international is amongst the deadliest finishers in the whole of the MLS; as can be seen from the sheer quality of the goals he tends to score. Boasting blistering pace and the ability to pick out pinpoint crosses from wide, the speedster would certainly be well-suited to the gritty nature of the Premiership as well. The Dynamo ace can take on the odd defender, while also keeping enough composure to be decisive with his next move. Elis possesses enviable confidence, and that is apparent to see in his style of play as well.
Celtic Are Keen On Alberth Elis: Should Lennon Look To Snap Him Up?
The Celts will be going into the Premiership season in the hunt for their record-breaking tenth straight league title, and Steven Gerrard’s Rangers would definitely go out of their way to try and not permit that. Their recent acquisition of Ianis Hagi was a clear statement of intent from the Glasgow club, and the ideal manner for the Celts to respond would be by signing a proper replacement for the recently departed Jonny Hayes. In terms of ability, Elis ticks all the boxes for an ambitious club like Celtic, and with the speedster now expressing his desire to move to Europe, Lennon will do well to try and snap him up during the summer window.
