According to the latest reports from the Daily Record, Celtic are interested in bringing in their former right-back Adam Matthews. The fullback was recently released by Sunderland and is currently a free agent. Celtic have already made a crucial signing in the form of Christopher Jullien, and we think that signing a right back next is going to be the top priority.
Celtic’s right back woes
The Hoops have been looking to sign a right back for close to a year now. However, they haven’t managed to get their hands on anyone. They signed Jeremy Toljan in January on loan from Borussia Dortmund, but the German fullback failed to impress in his six-month loan spell at the club. Mikael Lustig was the mainstay in the right-back position, but his career was on a downward trajectory. As a result, Celtic didn’t renew his contract and the last season was his final one for the Hoops.
From the fringes of the squad, Cristian Gamboa has also left the club. So as many as three right backs have departed in this window. Therefore it is imperative for Lennon to look at new options.
Can Matthews be considered again?
The Wales international left Celtic in 2015 for Sunderland. Before that, he was a crucial player for the Hoops as he made 150 appearances for them and contributed with five goals and 22 assists. It’s true that he isn’t the same player anymore and he struggled with injury and form at Sunderland last season.
Some fans will be underwhelmed with Celtic being linked with Matthews again. However, we think that on a free transfer, he can be a decent signing. Moreover, he is still just 27, so there is plenty of football left in him. Lennon might have to sign two right backs in this window and Matthews can be a reliable backup option to have.
The Northern Irish manager has already worked with the fullback before, and he even termed his performance as a seasoned veteran in 2013. Lennon had said, ”He’s a fantastic player. Coming to a big club like this, as a relative unknown, it has not fazed him. He’s getting better and better. Some of his games in Europe this season have been like a seasoned veteran.”
Matthews has decent pace and is physically strong. Some might think of this as a regressive signing, but Matthews’ experience of playing in big competitions will be a huge plus. Moreover, he knows what it takes to be successful in the Scottish Premiership, and the Welshman will be a shrewd signing.
