According to the latest reports from Costa Rica as cited by the Scottish Sun, Celtic are leading the chase to sign Sunderland’s left-back Bryan Oviedo. The report adds that the Costa Rican international is one of the highest paid players in League One and the Black Cats are keen to get him off their wage bill.
The defender joined the Stadium of Light from Everton in 2017, and the Black Cats were still a Premier League side back then. However, after successive relegations, it is understandable that the club can’t afford to pay the player the old wages and it makes sense for the Tyneside outfit to get rid of the fullback.
Celtic currently have the best left back in the league in the form of Kieran Tierney but the Scottish international is currently struggling with injuries. As a backup, Brendan Rodgers has Emilio Izaguirre at his disposal who has often been found wanting in that position.
In fact, Rodgers started with one of his best ball playing midfielder, Callum McGregor in the left back spot in the Old Firm derby against Rangers as Tierney was not hundred percent and the manager didn’t trust Izaguirre to play a game of such magnitude. The manager was criticised for his decision as McGregor’s ball playing abilities were wasted down the left, but one can understand his limitations once Tierney got injured.
Maybe looking for a new left-back isn’t a bad idea although the club faithful would instead want to see a right back coming to the club soon. The 28-year-old has been regular for Sunderland as he has made 25 appearances this season in all competitions, but manager Ross seems keen to get him off the wage bill.
The full-back still has 18 months left on his contract. Therefore, he isn’t expected to come in cheap. Sunderland have two decent fullbacks in the form of Reece James and Denver Hume, and they would want to sell the 50 times Costa Rica international at a good price. Therefore it remains to be seen whether the two parties would be able to agree in these late stages of the transfer window.
Oviedo is a typical modern-day fullback as he looks to bomb forward at every opportunity. His attacking endeavour even allows the manager to use him in an advanced role when required. However, it would be naive of Celtic to spend too much on this left back when they already have a world class option in Kieran Tierney. All the club needs is a decent backup fullback, and if Oviedo isn’t available for cheap, then Rodgers should stay away from this move.
