According to Belgian publication La Dernier Heure, Celtic are in the race to sign Dinamo Zagreb’s star Amir Rrahmani. The 25-year-old defender made 26 appearances for the Croatian heavyweights last season and even made seven appearances in the Europa League. Along with Celtic, Standard Liege and French outfit Amiens are also interested.
Why Celtic need a centre back?
It is no surprise to see the Hoops being linked with a defender as Neil Lennon needs to fill the void left by the departure of Dedryck Boyata. The Belgian was a first choice starter at the back in the last few years, and he was a dominant and reliable centre back to have.
The club is also set to lose Filip Benkovic whose loan spell is about to expire, and he is set to return to Leicester City. However, Brendan Rodgers has indicated that he could send the Croatian defender again on loan to Celtic Park. But that situation is uncertain as of now, and there is no doubt that the club needs to add a centre back to its repertoire.
Benkovic too came from Dinamo Zagreb, and Celtic would hope that Rrahmani could be as good as the Croatian international. Rrahmani is also a Kosovo international, and he has made 19 appearances for them. Reports mention that Belgian giants Standard Liege are ahead in the race as they have already opened up talks with Dinamo Zagreb and sources close to the player state that he is keen on a move to Belgium.
What will Rrahmani add to Lennon’s team?
The defender might not be a marquee name to replace someone like Boyata, but he can be a handy defender to have in the roster. Rrahmani’s strength is the physical side of the game as he is strong and robust in his challenges. He is also a force to reckon with in the air. One can say the 25-year-old is a classic no-nonsense defender.
However, to thrive at Celtic Park, he would have to improve his ability to play out from the back. He is not known to be the best of passers around, and that could be a problem for the Hoops.
Should Celtic sign him?
Fans would love to see a dominant name come in to replace Boyata. Rrahmani seems to be a decent bet, but if Celtic can get their hand on other better players, then they should try to bring them ahead of the Kosovo international.
