If a report from Latin Tribun (as cited by the Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic are considering a summer swoop for Fausto Vera as an alternative to Vinicius Souza. The latter is expected to join Espanyol and the Hoops, therefore, have shifted their focus on this Argentine in an attempt to bolster themselves in the middle of the park.
The 22-year-old midfield star has represented his nation in various youth ranks and is now drawing attention for his composure exhibited in club football. He is now a regular for Argentinos Juniors, having progressed through their academy setup and the Hoops must step up the chase if they are keen on securing his services ahead of other suitors.
Genk, the Belgian heavyweights, have already submitted a bid of around €6m for the youngster. He has scored 4 goals and registered 3 assists in 23 appearances so far this year across competitions and his emergence has impressed the Celtic scouts who have studied the Argentine market extensively in recent months.
The club have tied down his compatriot Alexandro Bernabei from Lanus a few days back and a move for Vera depends on how much they are willing to pay for the El Bicho sensation. The Bhoys should at least match Genk’s offer to stay in the hunt and a decision has to be made soon to avoid another transfer setback.
Why Celtic Should Tie Him Down
Celtic are well equipped in midfield but, at the same time, need quality deep down the pitch. Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, David Turnbull and Yosuke Ideguchi are more effective as box-to-box options, whereas the likes of Ismaila Soro and James McCarthy failed to deliver last season under Ange Postecoglou.
Soro, in particular, was supposed to challenge and cover skipper Callum McGregor in the ‘number 8’ role. However, a dreadful display from the Ivorian saw him slipping down the pecking order halfway through the previous term. The gaffer would like to have an able alternative to his Scottish ace and the interest in Vera depicts their intent prior to another busy campaign of domestic and European encounters.
Celtic have been spot on so far in terms of transfer business. They have made the loan deals permanent for both Filipe Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, also the arrival of Benjamin Siegrist has added depth between the sticks. Bernabei, too, is an exciting inclusion and it remains to be seen whether the chase for Vera intensifies in due time.
