If a report from The Sun is believed to be true, Celtic are assessing a potential summer swoop for German defender Moritz Jenz. The Lausanne-Sport star is available for a fee of around £1m and the Hoops might face competition amid interest from an array of European clubs.
The 22-year-old was scouted by Fulham while playing for Tennis Borussia Berlin back in 2015. The Cottagers roped the youngster in for their academy ranks and his impressive defensive display earned him the Under-18 captain’s armband. He was a regular for the U23 side before leaving last summer for the newly promoted Swiss outfit.
Why Celtic Should Sign Jenz To Add Depth In The Defensive Line
Predominantly a centre-back, Jenz has also featured as a right fullback previously. He appeared 31 times last season across competitions and exhibited his ball-playing attribute from the heart of the defensive line. The Hoops have snapped up Carl Starfelt to replace Kristoffer Ajer, but they still lack the depth with Christopher Jullien yet to recover from his knee strain suffered earlier this year. Shane Duffy has returned to Bright & Hove Albion following a disastrous loan, and therefore, the arrival of the young German prospect would bolster the squad alongside Stephen Welsh and Nir Bitton.
Why A Move For Couto Makes Complete Sense
However, the Bhoys are in desperate need of a new right-back. Anthony Ralston remains the only available option as the Glasgow giants have failed to tie down a new name so far despite being linked to the likes of Sacha Boey, Brandon Soppy and Nathan Byrne. Jonjoe Kenny was loaned in from Everton following the winter exit of Jeremie Frimpong, but the move has not been made permanent due to an underwhelming show from the 24-year-old Englishman.
According to Sky Sports, Celtic have now identified Yan Couto to resolve the right-back problem. The 19-year-old Brazilian progressed through the youth ranks of Coritiba back in his homeland and the Citizens stepped in last summer to secure his services under the nose of Barcelona. The teenager joined City’s sister side Girona to continue his development in the senior setup and the season-long loan to Segunda División saw him making 30 first-team appearances across competitions.
Couto is regarded as one of the most promising prospects in world football and the Skyblues would not let him leave on permanent terms. Celtic might have him on loan for the upcoming term but is expected to be rivalled by clubs from Portugal. It is to be seen now whether Ange Postecoglou sanctions a double swoop and accelerates the reconstruction.
