According to the reports from the Scotsman, Celtic were close to agreeing on a pre-contract deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ right back Dominic Iorfa. Incidentally, reports from the Scottish Sun in November came out that Rangers would target this out of favour right back.
However, Brendan Rodgers was recently asked about their interest in Iorfa and the manager was quick to turn it down as he said (The Scotsman), ”Not one that I’m aware of.”
Celtic are in desperate need of a right back, and plenty of names have been doing the rounds in this transfer window. With just a few days left, Brendan Rodgers doesn’t have too much time on his hands. Iorfa is in the final six months of his contract, and the Wolves academy product has struggled to break into the playing eleven in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old’s only appearance has come in the Carabao Cup this season and the former England u-21 international has been playing in the Premier League 2. One cannot blame Nuno Santo for not involving him in the first team as the Portuguese manager has Matt Doherty and Jonny Castro at his disposal.
For a full back, Iorfa is surprisingly tall as he stands at 6ft2. Also, that frame also allows him to fill in as a centre back when required, and we believe he could be a decent signing for Rodgers. However, one can understand why the manager might not be too keen on him as Iorfa struggles slightly when it comes to producing results in the attacking half of the pitch.
Modern-day fullbacks have almost turned into wingers and Rodgers’ playing style suits a more offensive fullback. However, Iorfa could be a decent addition given that he is available on a pre-contract deal and would cost nothing. To go with that, the English defender can even cover up as a centre back when required, so that is also a plus. The Hoops currently have both their major fullbacks, Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa, in the final six months of their contract and there are no indication yet that they would extend their stay.
Iorfa might not be the greatest in the final third, but he has that pace which is required from a full back. Also, his physicality would make him a strong contender to start week in and week out in the Premiership. We believe Rodgers might be making a mistake here after he admitted that they are not looking to pull off a deal for him.
