If a recent report from the Turkish outlet Fotomac (as cited by A Spor) is believed to be true, Celtic are expected to rival Besiktas for Eric Martel. But the FC Koln youngster has multiple other suitors, with Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart and Serie A side Fiorentina also in the mix, according to rumours.
The 23-year-old former German youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Jahn Regensburg and RB Leipzig before the latter sent him out on loan to Austrian outfit Austria Wien for regular gametime. He eventually completed a €1.2m transfer to Koln in the summer of 2022 and has since appeared 130 times for the Germans across competitions.
Although he was key to their immediate top-flight return last year, having been relegated the year before, a summer move can’t be ruled out, as the midfield ace might explore a fresh challenge elsewhere. A transfer to Celtic could fascinate him, as it would present an opportunity to chase glory rather than battle for survival.
The Hoops are expected to undergo a summer overhaul after back-to-back dreadful transfer windows. Martin O’Neill has kept them in the title race alongside Hearts and Rangers. But the management must find a long-term successor for the interim Northern Irishman to carry his legacy forward. They should learn from the mistake made by appointing Wilfried Nancy midway through the season. Also, the squad needs strengthening in multiple areas to overcome the ongoing mediocrity all over the pitch.
Why His Versatility Would Improve Celtic Both In Defence And Midfield
Predominantly a deep-lying playmaker, Martel is also comfortable at centre-back thanks to his physicality and aerial dominance. Cameron Carter-Vickers’ return from a long injury layoff should restore parity and quality in the heart of the backline. Yet the Koln star’s versatility would offer the Celts much-needed depth amid uncertainty over the long-term futures of Dane Murray, Stephen Welsh and Benjamin Arthur at Parkhead.
Nevertheless, Martel must be viewed as Callum McGregor’s replacement in the long run. The skipper, 33 in a couple of months, has been ever-present for more than a decade. The Celts could not find an able understudy, with Paulo Bernardo failing to impress as a ‘number 6’ during the Scotsman’s injury absence.
While it remains to be seen whether Celtic will reconstruct their midfield, Martel’s arrival would address a major crisis in the centre of the pitch. His aggression, concentration, ability to protect the defence, as well as tackling and passing expertise, should bolster the Bhoys en route to scripting the transition.
