If a report from French outlet Homme du Match is believed to be true, Celtic have identified Fabricio Bustos as one of their prime transfer targets. The Argentine has been on Lens’ radar for a while. But the Ligue 1 outfit are unlikely to pursue the move with Jonathan Clauss staying put at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
The 25-year-old Independiente right-back has been featuring regularly for his boyhood club. He is capped twice by La Albiceleste and rated for his attacking expertise down the wide. He makes lung-busting runs from the deep to operate in the advanced areas and is also suited as a wingback or right-sided midfielder. His traits tick many boxes of a modern-day fullback and Ange Postecoglou, known for a free-flowing and exciting brand of football, would like to have someone of Bustos’ profile in his ranks.
Celtic parted ways with Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Abd Elhamed back in winter and brought in Jonjoe Kenny from Everton for the remainder of the previous term. However, the Englishman could not live up to expectations at Parkhead and was sent back to Merseyside upon expiration of his loan spell.
Why Celtic Are Chasing A New Right Fullback
The Hoops are in the hunt for a new right fullback ever since and the names of Brandon Soppy, Sacha Boey, Yan Couto, Nathan Byrne and Aurélio Buta have popped up in various stages during the ongoing summer window. Although the talks are quite advanced for Buta, interest in Bustos suggests how aggressively they are assessing all available options before making the final call.
Meanwhile, Anthony Ralston is trying his level best to impress the gaffer and has done so to some extent with persistent overlapping runs and attacking contribution. He is growing in confidence and has utilized his opportunities well to cement a place. Celtic, therefore, are not panicking in terms of roping in Buta or Bustos and are happy to monitor the situation, rather than rushing to a decision.
Having said that, the Bhoys have been vulnerable in the defensive third and Ralston, being a part of their ‘back four’, can’t avoid the criticism either. The young Scot would find it difficult to deliver twice a week across competitions and a move for Bustos makes absolute sense considering his valuation of around £3.4m. Celtic might face competition from Santos and it is to be seen now whether they step up the chase to fend of the Brazilian hotshots.
