According to reports, Celtic are now eyeing a move for PSV Eindhoven full-back Joshua Brenet as Brendan Rodgers looks for options to beef up his back line ahead of a challenging season next term. The young Netherlands international has earned some rave reviews at Eredivisie last season with his sizzling displays on the right flank.
The Hoops boss would be under extreme pressure next season as whatever be their outcome, would be compared to their near perfect domestic season that they had just concluded. And with their rivals strengthening with every passing week, Rodgers have looked much more relaxed and mature waiting for the right moves. Celtic don’t need any massive overhaul, given their brilliantly balanced displays last season, and the manager knows it.
However, the biggest concern for Rodgers would be Champions League. Celtic are desperate to make a mark on the European stage next season after an impeccable season where they were dominant in almost all aspects. And apart from Mikael Lustig, who has already approached 30, on the right defensive flank, Rodgers only has the underperforming Cristian Gamboa.
Since arriving from Premier League side West Bromwich Albion last summer, the Costa Rican has failed to impress the manager, managing just 17 league appearances last term. Facing all the top talents in the elite European tournament could be a risky prospect with having only those options.
Brenet, on the other hand, looks all set to be the next big thing in Netherlands. The 23-year-old old has been a revelation for PSV Eindhoven over the past three years and has made himself an established player in that time. He made 26 appearances for them the last term in all competitions, scoring once and assisting thrice in the process.
His impressive displays had also earned him a national call-up in November last year. Celtic will face a stiff competition in landing him with the likes of Premier League side Watford, Serie A side Fiorentina and Udinese, Bundesliga side Koln and Eintracht Frankfurt, and even Scottish side Hearts tracking him.
But, now with the World Cup approaching next year, he would need a big stage to hog the limelight, which would be exactly provided by Celtic’s Champions League campaign. An academy product of Dutch side Roda JC Kerkrade, Brenet had to spend his childhood with numerous underage sides like Almere City FC Youth, ASC Waterwijk Youth and AVV Zeeburgia U17 before PSV Under 19 picked him up in 2011.
A right back by nature, Brenet can also play on the other flanks and even on the wings courtesy of his brilliant pace. Celtic could get a potential future star in him. Celtic have reportedly tabled a £3.5million bid for him.
