As per reports in Het Laatste Nieuws, Celtic were keen on making a move for 27-year old midfielder Adrien Trebel in the summer transfer window. And it was not only the Hoops but clubs like Porto and German outfit Hertha Berlin were also interested in this French midfielder who has so far played all minutes of Anderlecht’s new season.
The Bhoys had a tough summer window where they lost the services of Moussa Dembele and reportedly missed out on John McGinn as well who went on to join English club Aston Villa. Trebel was offered £7.2m in the summer which the Belgian outfit rejected as they see him as more valuable than that.
With Scott Brown already 33, the Hoops might have to keep an eye on his workload so that they can keep getting the best out of him. We believe Trebel would be an excellent addition to the Hoops’ squad and they should give it another go in January to sign the tenacious French midfielder.
Olivier Ntcham has been one of the standout players in the last year and a half, and his good performances have attracted attention from some Premier League clubs so Rodgers would again have to fight hard to keep hold of him. In a case where Ntcham leaves, the former Liverpool manager would need a midfielder. Celtic signed Youssouf Mulumbu for free in the summer window but it remains to be seen whether the former Norwich City midfielder would be able to come up with the goods.
The partnership of Brown and Ntcham has worked wonders so far, and the duo complements each other perfectly. Brown often takes the more conservative role in midfield whereas Ntcham is given the freedom to run forward and dictate play from more advanced positions.
The Hoops have a first-hand idea of what Trebel brings to the table as they faced Anderlecht last season in the Champions League group stages. The Frenchman usually starts in front of his defensive line and dictates the game from deep positions. His work rate off the ball is impressive, and he is a perseverant and committed midfielder. He might not be the biggest guy on the pitch, but he showcases good strength when he is on the ball. The former France u-20 international can be perfect like for like replacement for someone like Brown who is reaching the wrong side of the thirties.
However, the price is going to be a significant concern as Rodgers wouldn’t want to spend close to £8m for a 27-year-old midfielder. It is also not clear whether Anderlecht would let him leave even at that price. So that will be a major roadblock for the manager if he is keen to sign him. Our Verdict? We think if he comes around £6-8m Trebel is worth considering.
