If a report from The Daily Record is believed to be true, Celtic chief Brendan Rodgers is plotting a summer swoop for Burnley ace Dara O’Shea. But it won’t be a straightforward move for the Glasgow giants as the Clarets are desperate to keep hold of their star defender despite suffering a Premier League relegation.
The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international began his career with St. Kevin’s Boys in Dublin. He then joined the academy ranks of West Bromwich Albion and made more than 100 senior appearances for the West Midlands side. The then Burnley boss under Vincent Kompany secured his services for £7m following their top-flight promotion last summer, and his authority and resilience in the heart of the backline grabbed the attention of the Hoops gaffer.
Meanwhile, Kompany has left Turf Moor for the Bayern job. The Lancashire outfit are yet to appoint his successor and a decision on O’Shea’s future should not be made by then irrespective of interest from north of the border. With 4 goals and 4 assists in 37 outings (stats via Transfermarket) donning the Burnley colours, the centre-half exhibited his aerial and physical supremacy in the opponents’ box from set-piece situations.
Why Celtic Must Push For The Deal
Celtic have ample options in deep defence, but they might part ways with a few for their lack of impact and underwhelming display. Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke were roped in a year ago. None, however, has impressed enough to cement a first-team status alongside Liam Scales or Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Lagerbielke has emerged as a loan target for Leece. Also, the outcast Yuki Kobayashi could finally script an exit to resurrect his career elsewhere. Stephen Welsh has hardly been involved of late due to form and fitness problems, and Rodgers, therefore, is eyeing quality reinforcements to abstain from further humiliation in European contests.
O’Shea is hailed for his calmness and composure with the ball on his feet. He loves to play it out from the back, something Kompany tried to put into practice during his Burnley stint. His concentration, aggression and intercepting skills would inject more stability and strength into the Celtic defence.
But he won’t be a low-cost signing for the Bhoys as they might have to splash a record fee to snap him up. His contract at Turf Moor runs till the summer of 2027 and the Clarets should only sanction his transfer if a profit is obtained from any potential agreement.
