Celtic have been linked (Daily Record) with a loan move for West Bromwich Albion winger Oliver Burke and latest reports from the Express indicates that the Hoops can have their man if the Baggies go on to sign James McCarthy on loan from Everton.
The English outfit spent £15m to sign Burke in the summer of 2017, and it is a real surprise to see him struggle to find a place in Darren Moore’s side. McCarthy is a central midfielder so we don’t think that the signing of McCarthy would push Burke down the pecking order.
It could very much be that the Baggies are looking to free up a bit of the wage bill by sending Burke to Celtic. It remains to be seen how keen the Hoops would be for the Scottish winger this month. The 21-year-old has made just three appearances in the Championship and has struggled to get going after his big money move from RB Leipzig.
Burke is predominantly a right winger, and we don’t see him as a significant acquisition this month. The 21-year-old is an exciting talent but the fact that he has played just 40 odd minutes in the Championship suggests that he isn’t in the best of shape right now. Moreover, the Hoops currently have James Forrest who starts on the right flank and given his form; Burke wouldn’t be able to dislodge him from the starting eleven.
Celtic should probably look to strengthen in other positions, and the signing of Burke looks like a surplus at the moment. Even if Forrest isn’t available, Rodgers can call upon the services of Lewis Morgan. Also, someone like Ryan Christie can also fill on the right when required.
To go with all this, this is a short-term loan deal so even if the player thrives at Celtic Park, he isn’t going to be there at the club for the long haul. However, we could definitely turn out to be wrong as Burke does have that ‘X-factor’ to his game as he has searing pace and not many defenders would be able to cope with him at full tilt.
He also has that physical side to his game which should keep him in good stead in the Premiership. Maybe Rodgers is eyeing the winger to play down the left ahead of Scott Sinclair who has flattered to deceive more often than not. But at the moment, the club should take care of other areas first in the transfer market. It remains to be seen whether Everton would do the favour by sending McCarthy to the Hawthorns which would push West Brom to part ways with Burke on loan to Celtic.
