In a recent report, Foot Mercato has claimed Celtic’s interest in Brandon Soppy as they have joined AS Monaco and RB Leipzig in the hunt for the Stade Rennais fullback.
The 18-year-old France youth international is rated highly back in his homeland as he impressed in the UEFA Youth League with his pace, energy and tireless marauding runs from the right-hand flank. While the Hoops are still ahead in terms of quality as well as experience, Rangers have closed the gap significantly since Steven Gerrard was appointed the Ibrox chief. The Bhoys, therefore, need reinforcements prior to the upcoming campaign and have identified this young prospect for a potential summer swoop despite the financial uncertainties in the wake of global health concerns.
The teenager, also capable of featuring as a centre-half, has progressed through the academy ranks of the Red and Blacks and is touted to be one of their future stars for the promises exhibited at such an early age. The Ligue 1 outfit are yet to hand him his senior debut. However, clubs across Europe are already aware of his potential and have scouted him extensively in the recent past.
Why Celtic Has An Advantage In This Transfer Battle
Leipzig, known for identifying and promoting talents, have been after Soppy for quite some time. But the presence of Nordi Mukiele and Lukas Klostermann would see him struggling for first-team minutes in Germany and the player, too, is aware of it as revealed recently.
“Leipzig is a very good club, but I need some playing time. Would going there be the right solution? I think it might not be the right choice. There is Mukiele, Klostermann … But the Bundesliga is a championship that attracts me”.
This, as a result, has widened the path for the Hoops to snap up the French prodigy whose attacking intent and aggressiveness suit the style of the Scottish Premiership. Neil Lennon is regarded for nurturing the budding prospects, and he deserves plaudits for the emergence of Jeremie Frimpong at the age of 19.
The Bhoys have several Les Blues professionals in their ranks (Odsonne Edouard, Christopher Jullien and Olivier Ntcham) who have benefitted immensely following a switch to Parkhead. Joining Celtic would see Soppy gaining senior experience much earlier than the majority of the other suitors and challenge Frimpong for gametime in the long run.
The chaos within the Scottish football’s governing body is delaying Celtic’s title celebration for the ninth successive season. They are one step away from attaining the ‘nine in a row’ mission but, at the same time, must maintain their supremacy in the post-pandemic circumstances.
