According to a recent report by the Daily Record, Premiership giants Celtic are said to be lining up a third and final bid for the services of Charlton Athletic’s versatile midfielder Alfie Doughty. The youngster has been on Neil Lennon’s radar for quite a while now, and the report is claiming that the Addicks have already rejected two prior bids by the Glasgow club. The Englishman is reportedly being viewed as a potential left-back option, even though he tends to ply his trade in midfield. Charlton manager Lee Bowyer has said that the 21-year-old would cost any buyers upwards of £1m to acquire.
Although the report has clarified that Celtic are interested in versatile Charlton midfielder Alfie Doughty, whether or not he can be prized away from England remains to be seen. This move is being touted to be Neil Lennon’s last resort to try and acquire the youngster, which means that if it doesn’t work out, they could begin to look for a more short-term solution. Celtic’s last offer was supposedly in the region of £600,000, and they’re said to be willing to go over that rate in an attempt bring Doughty to Parkhead next season.
What Led To Celtic’s Sensitive Left-Back Situation?
The Celts started the new Premiership season with two left-back options for Lennon to choose from. Despite the initial signs being positive, one bad move by Boli Bolingoli was enough to wreck the balance completely. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strict quarantine rules have been in place all over the world for a while now.
In Scotland, the scenario was no different. Despite the immense care and attention that was being given by the board and the club to try and prevent further spreading, the Belgian full-back decided not to adhere.
The left-back made an illicit trip to Spain in the middle of quarantine, with the worst thing being that he never bothered to inform the club about his travel plans. Not only were the club and board furious with his actions, but the Scottish FA postponed a couple of the Celts’ matches to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Strict action was taken against the Belgian, and Neil Lennon also expressed his disappointment in the situation. The speedster has since been loaned out and is unlikely to play a match in a Celtic shirt again. As things stand, Greg Taylor remains their only option in the left-back slot.
What Makes Alfie Doughty A Good Option For Celtic?
The youngster is one of the highest-rated players in the Charlton squad right now, and does have the qualities required to kick on upon making a switch to Celtic. Despite being a midfielder by position, Doughty is versatile enough to operate at left-back. A good carrier and passer of the ball, the Englishman would allow Neil Lennon some added flexibility in terms of squad selection. The speedster tends to be quite quick with the ball at his feet, which means that his offensive play can be useful too. The 21-year-old boasts good upper body strength and also has the composure required to deliver neat crosses from wide.
Celtic Are Interested In Versatile Charlton Midfielder Alfie Doughty: Smart Move By Lennon?
Celtic are the reigning champions of the Premiership, which means that defending their title will be right at the top of Neil Lennon’s agenda for the season. Going into such a competitive campaign with Greg Taylor as the only possible left-back option would be nothing short of suicidal. A single injury has the potential to turn things upside-down at Parkhead. While Lennon has alternatives that he can deploy at right-back, the lack of options on the left should be cause for concern. Doughty would be available to the Celts for a fairly low price and given their immediate requirement; this move might not be the worst idea.
