Celtic’s defensive frailties came to the fore again against Rangers on Sunday. In high profile, high pressure games, their backline has often been found wanting this season. We saw it in the derby and we saw it on multiple occasions in Europe earlier in the season.
Even looking past the first team, there’s not much depth there as cover and one or two key injuries could plunge the defensive situation at the club into crisis. This is a problem for Celtic.
Added to that problem is the fact that two members of that defence are out of contract come the end of the season, Kolo Toure and Emilio Izaguirre. It’s an area of the team that needs strengthening and they need to bring in genuine quality that is still within their budget.
You get the impression that Brendan Rodgers is intent on making a big splash in Europe next season and to do that he needs better defenders and in more quantity.
With that in mind here are FOUR defenders Celtic should make a move for…
Martin Caceres
Martin Caceres hasn’t played a single game of professional football this season after being released by Juventus in the summer of 2016. However, the Uruguayan international has just turned up at Southampton to begin his football rehabilitation and is on his way to appearing for the first team after featuring for the reserves.
His contract at Saints is only until the end of the season making him a free agent come the summer. The door opens for a club like Celtic who can offer him a decent wage and a chance to play Champions League football.
He has extensive experience on the continent and internationally after spells at Barcelona, Sevilla and Juventus, clearly highlighting the qualities he possesses as a versatile central defender.
He’ll be getting the best of care at Southampton and if he’s deemed surplus to requirements then Celtic should chance their arm and make an offer. He can only say no, right?
Kevin Grosskreutz
Kevin Grosskreutz is currently without a club having been unceremoniously sacked by Stuttgart earlier this month after being involved in some off the pitch trouble on a night out. You know what they say though – one club’s trash is another club’s treasure – and Grosskreutz would be an excellent addition to Celtic’s options on the right hand side of defence.
Emerging on the footballing scene as a winger, it’s at right-back where he’s been predominately used at Stuttgart, although he still offers an option in wide attacking areas should Celtic require that cover.
He’s a noted Celtic enthusiast, so would perhaps be more eager of a move to Celtic Park than you’d think.
Can Celtic be the club that sees him shine again on the European stage after a celebrated stint with Borussia Dortmund?
Hasan Ali-Kaldirim
Another out-of-contract defender this summer, Hasan Ali Kaldirim would be a perfect replacement for Emilio Izauirre, whose deal is up at the end of the season.
Kieran Tierney will need strong competition if he’s to continue developing as a player and a move for the experienced Kaldirim would certainly provide that.
He has experience in the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League which would be ideal for Celtic’s needs next season. Having spent the last 5 years at Fenerbahce, could he now make a splash in the Scottish Premiership?
Jason Denayer
Jason Denayer’s career hasn’t exactly lifted off since he left Celtic after a loan spell in the 2014/15 season. He was excellent for the Hoops that year, often out shining the much celebrated Virgil van Dijk, and many thought he would go on to be a top star at Manchester City.
City do see a future for him, having committed him to a contract that sees him stay at the club until 2020. An inconsistent season at struggling Sunderland has left his future City status in limbo though, unlikely to be the man Pep Guardiola needs to strengthen his under-fire defence.
Whether it’s a loan move or a transfer, Celtic fans would love to see Denayer return and add some composure to their central defensive area.