Celtic have been spot on so far in terms of transfer business. They have made the deal permanent for Cameron Carter-Vickers, and also secured the services of free agent Benjamin Siegrist to bolster themselves between the sticks. While the Hoops are closing in on Filip Jota after an exquisite season-long loan from Benfica, the midfield has been an area that needs strengthening following a couple of key departures. According to Foot Mercato, Amadou Mbengue is on their radar over a potential summer transfer.
The Bhoys, however, are not alone in the hunt for the FC Metz midfielder. Serie A side Udinese are also keeping close tabs on his contract situation and the 20-year-old Senegalese is unlikely to extend his stay beyond this month. His current deal runs out this summer and Metz, having been relegated from the top tier, are on the back foot amid interest from abroad.
Predominantly a deep-lying playmaker, Mbengue has exhibited his flexibility by operating across the backline. He enjoyed his breakthrough campaign after progressing through Metz’s youth ranks and featured 13 times for the French outfit across competitions. Although most of his appearances were as a substitute, the top-flight experience should help him make the next career step in the forthcoming future.
Why Celtic Must Step Up The Chase
Celtic, meanwhile, are well equipped in the middle of the park following the winter signings of Matt O’Riley, Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate. They have slotted in as ‘number 8s’ and the Hoops, therefore, are likely to deal with Tom Rogic’s exit. However, they might still face a crisis down the deep with no one to challenge and cover skipper Callum McGregor after parting ways with Nir Bitton at the end of the previous term.
Ismaila Soro was regarded highly by former boss Neil Lennon. The Ivorian was touted to succeed then-skipper Scott Brown in the long run, but a dreadful display last season has now jeopardized his Parkhead future. He does not belong to Ange Postecoglou’s plan and the club are weighing up an offer from Serbian hotshots Partizan. Despite his reputation south of the border, James McCarthy has failed to live up to expectations since joining the Hoops on a Bosman.
Ewan Henderson and Luca Connell, two of Celtic’s promising midfield prodigies from the academy ranks, have been offloaded this year. Liam Shaw, too, does not seem to have an immediate future after an underwhelming loan stint with Motherwell. The Glasgow giants must freshen things up by roping in a new ‘number 6’ and a deal for Mbengue should be pursued, given his availability on a free transfer.
