According to the latest reports from the Daily Mail, Celtic are interested in signing West Bromwich Albion’s contract rebel Rekeem Harper. It is believed that Neil Lennon travelled to England to see the 19-year-old midfielder in action against Aston Villa recently. Harper’s representatives were recently present in Celtic’s last game of the season against Hearts, and they were given a VIP tour of the stadium.
West Brom confirmed that they had offered Harper a chance to sign a new contract for the second and final time. The midfielder’s contract is set to expire in a few weeks time, and it seems like the midfielder might be pushing for a move away after his representatives were recently spotted at Celtic Park.
The midfielder did not play a significant role for the Baggies in the Championship this season as he made 16 appearances. The youngster impressed for his side in the Premier League 2 and was thereby pushed into the senior team. Reports also add that Championship winners Norwich City and Champions League finalist Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in this soon to be out of contract Englishman.
Celtic’s managerial situation is still uncertain, but they are still getting linked with certain players. We can expect an appointment soon after the Scottish Cup finals as a lot of work needs to be done in the transfer market and deciding on a manager soon would be the right way to go.
What will Harper bring to the table?
Harper has come up from West Brom’s academy, and now he could look to move to bigger and better things as the Baggies are going to stay in the Championship for another season. Typically a central midfielder, the Englishman has played as an attacking midfielder as well as a defensive midfielder in his short career so far.
The 19-year-old is also an England u-19 international and is seen as a top talent down south. His physical presence on the ball makes it tough for defenders to dispossess him, and he has decent pace and passing abilities.
Celtic have used Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and Olivier Ntcham for the most parts this season in central midfield. The emergence of Ewan Henderson has also helped the manager during an injury crisis. However, Ntcham is attracting interest from Portuguese heavyweights Porto, and the Hoops might be tempted to sell him after a below-par season from the Frenchman.
Should Celtic sign him?
On a free transfer, Harper will be a top addition for Celtic as he has loads of potential. If the likes of Ntcham and Eboue Kouassi are moved on from the club, then they will need to add options in central midfield. The Baggies man can be a decent acquisition.
