According to the latest reports from Football Scotland, Celtic are maintaining their interest in signing West Bromwich Albion’s young midfielder Rekeem Harper. The midfielder’s future at the Hawthorns is looking uncertain at the moment, and Celtic can sign him on a free transfer in the summer.
However, new manager Slaven Bilic is set to have a showdown talks with the teenager soon. Some reports mention that West Brom have made a second and final offer to Harper for a new contract, but he is yet to sign a new deal. Bilic will try to convince him otherwise in the next few days.
It is understood that the English player was even at Parkhead for talks, but the move has stalled for quite some time now. New Premier League entrants Norwich City and Champions League runners up Tottenham Hotspur were also once interested in the midfielder. Harper has been highly regarded, and that is the reason why the Baggies are keen to keep hold of him.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Championship last season as he made 23 appearances for his side.
What will Harper bring to the table at Celtic Park?
Harper is a central midfielder by trade, but he can play as a defensive midfielder and as an attacking midfielder as well. That showcases his ability as he is well rounded in every department. The u-19 England international is known for his strength and dribbling skills. His quick feet allow him to get out of tight spaces and he can go on marauding runs from midfield.
He is not yet a finished product, but he can be a top midfielder with more first-team experience. On a free transfer, he would definitely be a top signing for the club.
Does Celtic need a midfielder?
David Turnbull’s transfer doesn’t seem to be a done deal just yet. Olivier Ntcham is attracting plenty of interest in the transfer market, and he could leave in the summer. Therefore Celtic would need a dynamic midfielder to replace him, and Harper can be an ideal player to have in the squad.
Scott Brown and Callum McGregor are likely to continue as first choice midfielders, but Harper would be an upgrade over the likes of Nir Bitton and Ewan Henderson. That would be slightly worrying for those two midfielders as the signing of Turnbull and Harper would hamper their game time in Celtic’s first team.
