Celtic are reportedly planning a third attempt to land Turkish full back Hasan Ali Kaldirim as the player has apparently failed to reach any kind of agreement with his club Fenerbahce. The Scottish giants have been keeping track of the player for some time now with the previous two attempts failing. And having such a talent as a free agent now means Celtic wouldn’t miss him for the world.
The Scottish giants amassed a mammoth 106 points last season keeping the difference between the immediate team following them to as much as 30 points. Brendan Rodgers has really achieved something absolutely spectacular with the Hoops, which is a grand feat even by Celtic’s stature in the Scottish Premiership.
The Bhoys have conceded only 25 goals last season in 38 games, which is one of the best defensive records in the league’s history. And credit should be given to Rodgers who could garner some of the most impactful of enforcers through free transfers or loans or cheap buys from lower tier clubs to execute his planning to perfection.
However, Celtic’s phenomenal defensive record in the domestic campaign can be easily overshadowed by their disastrous record in the Champions League, where they let in 15 goals in as less as six games. And it is on that front that Rogers aims to excel now, which makes their move for Kaldirim all the more sensible.
The 27-year-old’s experience at the top most level and immense versatility in the midfield make him an invaluable option in the European platform. A left-back by nature, the Turkish international can also play on the wings as well as in the central midfield as and when needed. Although not the most impactful of players, he is perfect to hold the midfield and bring discipline to the side.
Rodgers knows how significant he would be to the side and has been trying to rope him in January with reports emerging that the player had agreed on a deal around £1.6 million-a-year, which was supposed to keep him at the club until 2020. It was followed by speculations that the club is again trying him for £2 million.
An academy product of German side FC Kaiserslautern, Kaldirim moved to Germain third tier side FSV Mainz on a free transfer before Turkish side Kayserispor bought him in 2010. Two good seasons there and Fenerbahce bought him in 2012. Making his debut for Turkey back in 2012, Kaldirim has been capped 12 times. Maybe, Rodgers would be third time lucky.
