Reports on the final day of the transfer window had emerged that Celtic might be interested (The Shields Gazette) in signing Newcastle United’s midfielder Ki Sung-yueng. The Magpies wanted to cash in on the South Korean ace but were unable to find any suitors for him by the end of the transfer window.
Newcastle terminate Ki’s contract
Now Chris Waugh of the Athletic revealed that the Toon had terminated Ki’s contract. He gave an update and wrote, ”With Newcastle unable to find a club for Ki Sung-yueng, who is believed to have been on around £60,000 a week, they have come to an agreement with the midfielder to terminate his contract.”
Hence, Celtic or any other clubs are open to signing him on a free transfer. It remains to be seen whether the midfielder would want to make himself available in the market now or he would wait until the summer to make a move when quite a few clubs could be interested in him.
Should Celtic sign him?
Given that he is a free agent now, many might feel that Celtic could do with his experience and quality, but we believe that the Hoops don’t need to bring in another defensive-minded midfielder. Ki is also 31, so he is unlikely to have much a resale value and hence, Celtic should avoid going for the midfielder even though it could be an attractive prospect to sign him on a free transfer.
Celtic’s current options in midfield
Scott Brown is still going strong in the defensive midfield role. Many critics expected Lennon to manage his game time this season and use him wisely, but the captain has featured consistently in almost all the games so far, and that is a testament to his fitness and endurance. Olivier Ntcham and Callum McGregor are the other essential midfielders at Lennon’s disposal, and they too have looked solid so far.
Celtic also secured the signing of Ismaila Soro, who is a defensive midfielder by trade, and he could emerge as a long term successor for Brown. The Hoops should look to develop him when the opportunity arises. The Bhoys can also call upon the services of Nir Bitton who has primarily played as a centre back this season. He is traditionally a defensive midfielder, and the Israel international signed a new contract not too long ago. Hence, the Hoops have enough options and quality in midfield and are in no immediate need to strengthen their midfield options.
Ki has struggled to get a regular run of games for months now, and it wouldn’t make sense to bring him in at the moment. His wage demands are also likely to be high, so Celtic should give this opportunity a miss.
