If a recent report from Celts Are Here is believed to be true, Celtic are plotting a summer move for George Campbell. But they are not alone in the race, with several Championship outfits and Bundesliga clubs also keeping close tabs on the £2.5m-rated West Bromwich Albion central defensive ace.
The 24-year-old USMNT international progressed through the academy ranks of Georgia United and Atlanta United back in his homeland before breaking into their reserves in the second tier of the United States League System. His impressive spell earned him a first-team status in the MLS, eventually leading to a €564k transfer to fellow top-flight side CF Montréal.
The Baggies snapped him up last summer, as they splashed €1.3m to secure his services. Soon, he cemented a regular role in the defensive third alongside the former Hoops centre-half Nat Phillips. Although they narrowly escaped relegation, thanks to Leicester City’s point deduction, Campbell has been a shining light for his towering presence across 41 appearances in all competitions.
Why Celtic Must Bring In A Centre-Back Of Campbell’s Calibre
Celtic are likely to undergo a squad overhaul in the summer window. While the search is on for Martin O’Neill’s long-term successor as the next Parkhead chief, the management must bolster various spots to overcome the mediocrity. Defence is no exception, with Benjamin Arthur expected to return to Brentford, having failed to secure regular gametime since joining them on loan in January. Dane Murray has not done enough to impress the gaffer, and his future remains up in the air alongside Stephen Welsh, who is currently out on loan at Motherwell due to the lack of minutes at his parent club.
The Hoops already have two Americans in deep defence, as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty are the preferred options in the heart of the backline. However, a serious Achilles injury for Carter-Vickers sustained in October has ruled him out for the season, thus forcing O’Neill to rely on two left-footed centre-backs in Trusty and Liam Scales.
Campbell, being right-sided, would offer more balance and composure at the back. He is regarded for his passing and ball-playing attributes, dribbling and physical presence, as well as the offensive threat during attacking set-pieces, which tick the boxes of a modern-day defender. Celtic are also monitoring Oskar Wojcik and Zinedin Smajlovic, but the profile and experience of the US ace south of the border make him a better fit to fix the conundrum before next season.
