According to the reports from Dutch media outlet Voetbal International, Celtic are interested in signing Feyenoord’s midfielder Renato Tapia. Rangers are also said to be monitoring the Peruvian midfielder. The 25-year-old has failed to hold down a regular place under Dick Advocaat, and Feyenoord are hoping to sell the midfield ace this month.
Tapia is in the final few months of his contract, and the January window is the last chance for the Dutch outfit to demand any transfer fee for him. The 25-year-old moved to Feyenoord from FC Twente in 2016 for €1.5m. The report doesn’t mention how much Tapia might cost now, but we believe that he could be available on a cut-price deal given that Feyenoord wants to sell him this month.
Where can he fit in at Celtic?
Tapia is a 47 time Peru international, and he is primarily a defensive midfielder. However, he has featured at centre back and as a central midfielder in his career when required. Celtic currently have Scott Brown who is still going strong at 34 in the defensive midfield position.
However, it cannot be ignored that the former Hibernian man wouldn’t be around forever at Parkhead and Celtic would need to keep an eye on his long term replacement.
Nir Bitton is another option for the defensive midfield position, but he has primarily been used as a backup option in central defence this season. The Israel international signed a new contract not too long ago so he can be utilised at centre back or defensive midfield as per the needs of the team.
However, Bitton is also not a very long term option at the club, and hence it makes sense for the Bhoys to look for a defensive midfielder for the future.
What will Tapia add at Parkhead?
The midfielder’s standout assets are his physicality and aggression. Tapia isn’t afraid to commit himself into challenges, and he plays with a lot of heart and determination. He also has quality on the ball as he showcases quick feet to get out of tight spaces. Tapia’s dribbling skills can take quite a few defenders by surprise, and he can go on marauding runs every once in a while. However, the Celtic target is known as an inconsistent performer, and that has plagued his career so far.
We believe that Tapia would be a decent signing at Parkhead. However, he might need some time to settle in and get used to the physical nature of the Premiership. It remains to be seen now whether Celtic would be able to get him or not in this window.
