Once the January transfer window arrives, Celtic will need some new signings.11 points behind Rangers and out of the Europa League, it’s been a disastrous campaign for Neil Lennon.Fortunately, though, it looks as though they have one confirmed target lined up.
What’s the word?
If Celtic are going to make additions this winter then it’ll presumably be in defence. Kristoffer Ajer is currently being linked with AC Milan while it’s thought that Shane Duffy will head back to Brighton once January rolls around.
With that in mind, a new centre-back could walk through the Lennoxtown doors.
That happens to be Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie. Celtic were tracking the American in the summer but were waved away by Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia’s chief.
“We have had interest. There was a talk with Celtic, but I told them: We were not willing to talk before the [MLS in Back] tournament or during the tournament, but maybe then later on,” he said in August.
However, it’s now materialised that the Hoops then later made a bid for his services.
That’s come to light thanks to US journalist Kristian Dyer on Twitter. He said this week:
In English money, the $4m equates to around £3m.
Bye-bye Ajer
Before anything happens, Celtic will need to raise some additional funds. It was reported recently that Nick Hammond may have to sell one of his team’s star men because of a £13m drop in turnover.
Thus, if you consider the Glaswegian’s sloppy defensive record, Ajer should be one of the first out the door. He has been part of a terrible back four, one that’s conceded ten more goals than Rangers in the SPFL – that’s despite playing two fewer games.
With a move for McKenzie in the pipeline, now seems like an ideal time to move the Norwegian on.
After all, Celtic’s transfer target is one of the best young defenders in MLS right now.
Speaking about the American in 2019, the player’s former coach Tab Ramos revealed: “Mark is a natural leader. First of all, he’s a hard player on the field and he’s a good player. Secondly, he has that charisma off the field that allows for him to have a voice and for people to follow that voice.”
What Celtic need right now is someone who directs the defence, something that clearly isn’t there at the moment judging by the number of goals they concede. No one is taking responsibility and leading the rest of the defence in certain situations.
McKenzie, however, has proven he can do that at Philadelphia. The 21-year-old has registered an eye-catching pass success rate of 83.5% this season, as well as amassing 3.2 clearances per game.
Celtic need to sign him, if not for his physical qualities then definitely for his leadership.
In other news, one Celtic man failed his BIG audition on Thursday night…