Celtic are more or less certain to romp towards their 8th title in a row after they secured a win over Rangers in an action-packed derby. However, there is no doubt that the team will need to go through a major rebuilding phase in the summer given the number of players that could leave the club.
Chris Sutton recently wrote a column for the Daily Record and seemed impressed with Rangers’ star winger Ryan Kent. So much so that he wants the Hoops to go after the Liverpool man in the summer. Sutton wrote, ”Kent caught my eye – along with Odsonne Edouard he was the best player on the pitch – he should also have walked later in the second half for that stupid jab at Scott Brown.”
”But the winger at least inspired his team with his performance, taking the game by the scruff of the neck after the interval and showing bravery on the ball. He delivered some great balls into the box and breezed past Dedryck Boyata to take his equaliser very well. Celtic should test Liverpool’s resolve with a bid.”
After what happened in the derby, maybe some Celtic fans would be opposed to the idea of having Kent at Parkhead. However, one cannot doubt his ability, and it is quite clear that he would thrive big time at Celtic Park if the Bhoys manage to pull off a deal for him.
Recently reports from Sky Sports came out that Liverpool are set to demand £7m for their winger and Celtic can afford to pay that kind of money. However, we still feel Rangers will hold an edge over signing someone like Kent given the Steven Gerrard factor. But if Celtic’s bid is higher than Rangers, then we doubt that even the former Reds skipper could do anything to influence Liverpool’s decision.
Kent started off slow and looked rusty in the initial few months, but after he settled in, the Englishman has shown that he can be a match-winner on his day. Celtic currently have Scott Sinclair as an outright left winger. Even after an impressive goal haul, we feel that the former Aston Villa man has been just about okay all season. The 30-year-old is in the final few months of his contract and is on a decline.
Celtic do have an option of triggering a year-long extension for Sinclair, but it is yet not clear whether the Hoops would take that option. Kent is still young and improving and we agree with Sutton that Celtic should look to put in a bid to check Liverpool’s resolve and maybe to rile more Rangers fans in the process. If Celtic does end up placing a bid, it could also be construed as a troll move to get the price up for the player even if Rangers eventually get him.
