If a recent update from Argentine outlet El Crack Deportivo is believed to be true, Celtic might suffer a blow in terms of retaining Marcelo Saracchi beyond this season. The on-loan Uruguayan’s contract does not include an option to buy, and reported interest from Racing Club could see the Boca Juniors left-back complete a move to their league rivals.
The 27-year-old La Celeste international progressed through the academy ranks of Progreso Paysandú and Danubio before breaking into the latter’s senior side in 2015. He then joined the Argentine heavyweights, River Plate, two years later, but was roped in by RB Leipzig for €12m ahead of the 2018-19 season. However, the lack of minutes in Germany led to his contract being terminated, allowing him to complete a Bosman transfer to Galatasaray in January 2020.
After a brief stint in Spain with Levante, Saracchi returned to Argentina in favour of a switch to Boca Juniors in 2023. Celtic brought him last summer on a season-long loan to challenge and cover Kieran Tierney, and Martin O’Neill, impressed by the defender’s influence and energy, has urged the management to snap him permanently despite limited starts down the left.
Meanwhile, Saracchi’s agent Marcelo Tejera confirmed earlier that the Hoops have scheduled a meeting with him as they look to buy his contract. Uruguayan duo Nacional de Football and Club Atlético Peñarol were keen to have him in the winter window. But the Celts chose to retain his services, allowing him to recover from his injury.
Why Celtic Might Still Lose Him This Summer
Tejera also revealed interest from unnamed clubs in England and Brazil; however, the latest rumour circling Racing Club is not good news for the Scottish giants. Gabriel Rojas could leave in the coming days, and El Primer Grande boss Gustavo Costas has identified Saracchi as his potential successor. They are expected to bring him on an initial loan with the option to buy, and Boca Juniors, who still have him under contract for 18 more months, are unlikely to block an exit following his dressing room fallout before leaving for Celtic.
The Bhoys are battling for a ‘domestic double’ but have been underwhelming all season due to the form and fitness woes of several first-team stars. A squad overhaul is on the cards in the summer window, as the board are also evaluating various profiles to succeed O’Neill as the Parkhead chief. Retaining Saracchi should be a priority, unless the player himself wants to move on to attain regular football, which he won’t get in Scotland, with Tierney being preferred over him in the pecking order.
