If a report from the Daily Record is believed to be true, Celtic have received a blow in pursuit of their long-term target Christopher Scott. The Bayern Munich teenager was available in winter for a compensation fee of around £250,000. But the Bavarians have now decided to trigger the one-year extension clause dismissing a summer exit on a Bosman.
While the Hoops have been favourites to secure his services for the upcoming term (according to Ghana Soccernet, via Scottish Sun), Scott might end up at Fortuna Dusseldorf on a season-long loan as claimed by the Record Sport. Celtic, therefore, must keep on looking for a new attacking midfielder who would succeed Tom Rogic for years to come.
Scott, 19, progressed through the youth ranks of Bayer Leverkusen before being roped in by Bayern Munich back in January 2020. He continued his development with the reserves but, at the same time, grabbed a couple of senior appearances towards the closure of the 2020-21 Bundesliga campaign.
Meanwhile, the youngster spent the entire 2021-22 season in Regionalliga Bayern after failing to stake a claim in Julian Nagelsmann’s plans. There he fired in 7 goals and laid on 6 more in 24 games exhibiting his efficiency in various midfield roles. Predominantly a ‘number 10’, the Germany U19 international also slotted in down the flanks, operated as a ‘number 8’ as well as a deep-lying playmaker throughout the previous term.
Why Celtic Must Rope In A Creative Midfielder
Celtic, on the other hand, underwent a successful transformation under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou. The board backed him by tying down an array of exciting prospects, whereas his reputation in Japan helped him wrap up deals for the likes of Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate.
Hatate, in particular, has been a revelation in the centre of the pitch, also the arrival of Matt O’Riley has enriched them in terms of vision and creativity. Despite being sidelined for months due to an injury misfortune, David Turnbull holds a bright career road ahead of him having cemented a starting status already in his early 20s.
Irrespective of the depth and quality, Celtic lack an outright midfield attacker following Rogic’s departure. The Aussie wizard has been a stalwart for years and the gaffer now has to find someone capable of replicating a similar impact in the middle of the park. The Celts must not stop chasing Scott’s signing amid uncertainties over his future at Allianz Arena, however, it remains to be seen who else emerges as an alternative in due course of time.
