According to the latest reports from the Scottish Sun, Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim are looking to prise away Celtic’s young defender Liam Morrison. The 16-year-old youngster is regarded as the best centre half prospect in the country, and the Hoops are said to be desperate to secure his long term future.
A player can only sign a professional contract when he turns 16 and Morrison came of age earlier this month. Therefore given his talent, he is up for grabs right now as Celtic are yet to get him on a professional contract. If Hoffenheim can get to him first, the Bhoys would receive compensation. However, given the talent which Morrison possesses, it would feel like daylight robbery for Celtic if they go on to lose him.
The fact that a top-flight Bundesliga club is eyeing a deal for him at 16 is testament enough to the talents of the player. Morrison has already earned six caps for Scotland’s u-17 team. The defender is a regular for Celtic at the u-18 setup, and he has put in some solid performances for them this season.
It is understood that Morrison’s agent is former Celtic scout David Moss. Hopefully Celtic will be able to make use of their previous connection with the agent as losing him for just the development fee will be a massive blow for the Hoops.
Celtic have always had a steady pool of young players coming in, and Morrison has the potential to make it to the senior team within the next two years. Scottish clubs are finding it hard to retain their talents as clubs from the more famous leagues seem to be a more lucrative option for the players.
Why could Hoffenheim lure the youngster?
Hoffenheim have established themselves as a European team in the last few years as they played in the Champions League main draw this season. They are likely to miss the Champion League for the next season as they are on the sixth spot, but Julian Naglesmann has brought them to new heights in the last few years.
Who is the key personnel in this deal?
Given that the player is a Scotsman and has done so well for Celtic at the youth level, one would expect the Bhoys to be in a strong position to get him on a professional contract first. But dealing with the player’s agent could be the key to cracking this deal as he is likely to be the major influencer here given the fact that Morrison is just 16. Hopefully, Celtic will be able to persuade their former scout David Moss.
