According to a recent report by The Scottish Sun, reigning Premiership champions Celtic are said to be on the verge of finally completing the acquisition of long-term midfield target David Turnbull. The Motherwell man is reportedly expected to sign for the Celts this week, with a £3m deal touted to have been struck between the two parties for his transfer. Parkhead manager Neil Lennon is said to have maintained his interest in the player for a while now, with Celtic scouts even watching him on two occasions already this season.
Although the report claims that Celtic are on the verge of signing Motherwell’s David Turnbull, whether or not this deal goes through remains to be seen. The Hoops actually had an agreement in place for his purchase last summer, only for the deal to fall through in the final stages due to a medical concern. The young midfielder was forced to undergo surgery soon after and missed a significant chunk of the season thereafter. While it has been suggested that there is interest from England, the player’s preference is said to be a Celtic switch. Newcastle United and a flurry of Championship clubs are all said to be keen on his signature.
What Kind Of Player Is David Turnbull?
The lanky midfielder is a combative playmaker who does his best work in the middle of the park. Although the Scot stands at over 1.85m tall, his athleticism and energy levels need not be questioned at all, as he offers a good presence in the core of the side. Not only is Turnbull an excellent passer of the ball, but he also tends to find spaces in the final third expertly. Despite not being an advanced midfielder by position, the youngster ensures to make late runs into the box to try and provide a goal-threat.
The 21-year-old is a product of the Motherwell academy, and if it wasn’t for the injury last summer, he would have already been a Celtic player by now. Having come into the side during the 18/19 Premiership season, the midfielder went on to make a whopping 25 appearances in his first full season with the team.
The Scot finished that campaign with nine goals and five assists to show for his efforts, only for the knock to rule him out of a major chunk of last season. With five outings and a goal under his belt in this new Premiership campaign, the youngster has got off to a positive start as well.
What Purpose Would Turnbull Serve In Lennon’s Side?
The Celts’ most recent win against Dundee United saw Neil Lennon’s side utilise a different kind of formation. James Forrest was sacrificed from the eleven and replaced by Olivier Ntcham, who seemed to take up the number ten role. While the Frenchman didn’t do much wrong, it’s safe to say that his consistency levels have been poor. With Tom Rogic now seemingly on the periphery of the squad as well, acquiring Turnbull could be a step in the right direction.
Celtic Are On The Verge Of Signing Motherwell’s David Turnbull: Smart Move For Lennon?
The tall midfielder has been thoroughly impressive since the start of the season and having undergone surgery last year; it’s not at all surprising that Neil Lennon has rekindled his interest. The youngster is an excellent passer of the ball, and his ability to strike the ball from a distance is second to none in the Motherwell squad as well.
Although the Scot tends to prefer operating in a central midfield role, his knack of ghosting into vacant spaces in the box can be a useful tool for the Celts this season. Even the most pessimistic of Celtic fans had expected Turnbull to join last summer, and although it’s a year delayed, there’s more than enough reasons for the Hoops fans to be excited about this potential acquisition.
