According to a recent report by Calcio Mercato, Premiership giants Celtic are said to still hold an interest in the services of Sampdoria’s Gambian international centre-half Omar Colley. The big defender is reportedly keen on a move away from his current employers, with the situation expected to come to a conclusion in the coming days or weeks. The former Genk man is said to be on the radar of Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais as well, with manager Julien Stephan hoping to strengthen the core of his team’s defence-line.
Although the report claims that Celtic are keen on Sampdoria defender Omar Colley, Neil Lennon was quick to deny the claims about any lingering interest in the Gambian. Calcio Mercato though seems to be assured about the fact that Celtic are actually still in the running for his signature.
While the signing of another centre-half wouldn’t necessarily be a bad idea, the Serie A side’s asking price could come as a stumbling block. Sampdoria are said to be expecting to receive more than ‘double figures’ for the defender, although €10m might reportedly not be enough.
What Is Celtic’s Current Squad Situation?
The Hoops haven’t had the greatest of starts to the new season so far, and a lot of that is down to everything that has gone off the field in recent weeks. Not only did a couple of their matches get postponed, but the confusion surrounding the actions of Boli Bolingoli undoubtedly took it’s toll on the team as well. Having returned to regular league action, wins just haven’t come comfortably for Neil Lennon’s side. The gaffer’s decision to start Ryan Christie in the striker’s role must be questioned, especially because he had two perfectly good centre-forwards sitting on the bench.
For all the concerns that have been going around in attack, it must be conceded that their biggest issue has so far been at the back. Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer have been the two preferred centre-half options, but neither has managed to capture the imaginations of the Parkhead faithful. More worryingly, Lennon even decided to drop Ajer from the side for a couple of fixtures, with makeshift defender Nir Bitton stepping into the side in his place. All in all, the Celts’ defending hasn’t been inspirational by any stretch of the imagination.
What Would Omar Colley Add To This Team?
The 27-year-old centre-half stands at over 1.9m tall and could end up being the ideal partner for Shane Duffy at the heart of this Celtic team’s defence line. Duffy offers a secure presence at the back, in that his experience and general intelligence on the pitch makes things easier for those around him. This would allow Colley the added security he needs to go out and do what he does best. A combative centre-half by trade, the Gambian isn’t afraid to put his body on the line for the sake of the team. A brilliant tackler of the ball, Colley’s physique and sheer work-rate will be enough to intimidate a majority of the attackers in the Scottish top-flight.
Celtic Are Keen On Sampdoria Defender Omar Colley: Smart Move For Lennon?
The big centre-half has been around the highest level of European football for a while now, having had stints at Genk as well as Sampdoria. Between the two aforementioned clubs, Colley has notched up exactly 150 appearances so far, and experience like that is what this Celtic team has been calling out for. The acquisition of Shane Duffy will undoubtedly come as a huge boost, but neither Jullien nor Ajer, look secure enough to be able to partner him. Even if one of them does nail down the starting role alongside the Irishman, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to resume this all-important league season with four central defenders for the gaffer to choose from.
