Celtic have shaken off the shambles of their summer transfer window and reacted sharply this month roping in three top-notch resources. But they are still in the hunt for a right fullback and have reportedly shifted their focus on Lech Poznan ace Robert Gumny according to the Polish outlet Gazeta Wyborcza. According to the same report, Celtic are willing to offer €5m for the right back.
The Bhoys are aiming a ‘treble treble’ but have found it tougher this term following the resurgence of Rangers under Steven Gerrard’s tutelage. They are leading the Premiership race having grabbed the League Cup title already, but the gaffer is keen on further reinforcements amidst a series of summer exits on the cards.
Mikael Lustig, 32, is running out of contract and is quite unlikely to be offered a new one to stretch his stay beyond this summer. Celtic have been eyeing an alternative for a while but missed out on Timothy Castagne and Omar Elabdellaoui according to the Daily Record. There have been rumours of Porto prodigy Fernando Fonseca joining Celtic. However, the Poland youth international has now joined the list having shown consistency in Ekstraklasa since the previous campaign.
The Celts also have Cristian Gamboa as the understudy to Lustig, but the Costa Rica international is not fancied either whereas youngster Anthony Ralston’s ligament damage has been alarming for the Parkhead chief who must be keen on having someone before the window is slammed shut within the next few days.
Gumny, 20, is rated highly back in his country and has established himself for the senior side following some impressive performances. He was out for a while having undergone knee surgery but returned to the pitch back in November to reclaim his starting role.
Lech Poznan, however, is unwilling to let Gumny leave this season having retained him successfully back in the summer. A transfer to Borussia Monchengladbach collapsed a year back due to a failed medical but the player, now back to his full fitness, is being targeted by the Scottish champions for a deal of around €5m.
Although there would be more options to opt for on completion of the ongoing season, the youngster is a gem of a talent who holds all the traits to succeed for years to come. Gumny prefers to operate as a right fullback but is also comfortable down the left offering versatility. He would slot in a wingback role as well as a right centre-half if the gaffer decides to go for a ‘back three’ to inject flexibility in his formations.
Celtic, therefore, must step up their chase for this Polish prospect and complete yet another impact signing like they have done for ages.
