Signing a centre-back could be on the top of the priority list for Brendan Rodgers in the January transfer window. Everything looks in place now, as Dedryck Boyata decided to stay at Park Head beyond the transfer window this summer. However, things can again turn haywire in January. The Big Belgian centre-half is already in the final year of his contract, and the Hoops will have their last chance to gain some transfer funds for him in January. So signing a defender could very much turn out to be a priority for Rodgers, after Christmas.
The Hoops were linked with Bosnia Herzegovina defender Samir Memisevic just last month, and some reports suggested that even the player also wanted a move to Celtic Park. Memisevic currently plies his trade in the Eredivisie for Groningen. Incidentally, the last defender which the Hoops picked up from Groningen was Virgil Van Dijk who is now counted as one of the best in his business across the world.
What could further prompt this move is the fact that there are reports from the Daily Record that Filip Benkovic could be recalled by his parent club Leicester City as early as January. The deal signed was for a season-long loan, but if Claude Puel needs him, the manager can cut his loan spell short. That could put Rodgers in a precarious situation as he could lose two centre-halves in the middle of the season.
Memisevic has just a year left on his contract, and the Hoops can have him at a cut-price deal. He has been a regular part of Groningen’s defence in the last few years. However, his team is currently struggling in the Dutch division. Last season, they finished 12th and so far this season, they have already lost three of their first four games. Therefore, Memisevic might be interested in this move, in search of bigger challenges.
The 25-year-old stands over six feet and is robust and strong in his challenges. He has decent pace and often sticks tightly with his man giving them no space to work with. He commands his area with discipline, which is one of the strongest aspects of his game.
We believe he could be a decent bet for Rodgers in January. Someone like Scott McKenna is going to cost a bomb and therefore if Rodgers is looking for a cheap and decent acquisition, Memisevic could be the way to go. Of course, he is still not in the same bracket as Boyata, but maybe with some experience in the Scottish league, the Bosnian can get there.
