According to the reports from Scottish Daily Mail (24/7/2019) written by Chief Football Writer Stephen McGowan, Celtic have run checks on FC Basel’s right back Silvan Widmer. The 26-year-old is a nine-time Switzerland international, and he joined the Swiss heavyweights just last season only.
Celtic recently announced the signing of right-back in the form of Hatem Abd Elhamed even though he hasn’t played too many games in that position. However, reports mention that the Hoops are in the market to sign another right back and that is where someone like Widmer can come in.
Why Celtic need a right-back?
If Celtic can pull off a move for Widmer, then the move for Elhamed makes sense. The Israeli always seemed like an unlikely option for the first choice right-back slot. Celtic lost as many as three right-sided fullbacks in this transfer window as the contracts of Jeremy Toljan, Cristian Gamboa and Mikael Lustig had expired. Kristoffer Ajer is currently filling in that position in the Champions League qualifiers, and he has done a commendable job so far.
However, one needs to take into account that he will face much sterner tests as the season progresses and Celtic are right in thinking about another right-sided fullback.
What will Widmer bring to the table?
Widmer is an attack-minded fullback who is a regular for Swiss heavyweights FC Basel. The defender made 41 appearances in all competitions last season and contributed with two goals and seven assists. The defender’s standout attribute is his pace and physical strength. Widmer is exceptionally robust, and one can see him dominate the opposition from the right while carrying the ball forward. He is full of energy and can link up play well with his short passing.
The 26-year-old has the experience of playing in the Serie A as well as he was more or less a regular choice for Udinese. The fullback managed over 140 appearances for the Italian side. We think that he will be an excellent first-choice right-back and Celtic should do everything in their means to complete this deal.
Problems for Celtic
However, Basel signed him just last season only, and they have him on a long term contract. The Swiss heavyweights should be in a strong position to negotiate. Celtic might have to come up with a bumper offer to lure him. Widmer fits the bill perfectly for Celtic as he is currently in the prime of his career. He is still young but relatively well experienced. It remains to be seen now whether Celtic will be able to get him in this transfer window.
