Last night, a story broke that we’ve told our midfield target Vicinius Souza to make up his mind before we have to move on. Keith Jackson’s name is on that article, so I’m going to be honest; I don’t know how seriously we should take it.
The thing is, Jackson’s article directly quotes someone “close to the deal.”
“The two parties are still talking but there does come a point in time when Celtic need an answer and that moment is fast approaching,” he was told. “If Souza – or his agents – aren’t prepared to commit then the club will simply have to look elsewhere because it’s an area of the team that the manager wants to address as a matter of urgency … he’s not the only option.”
Now I don’t know whether Jackson’s source is reliable, but we know that Jackson himself really isn’t. Yet for once the basics of this sound right on. It’s exactly the attitude I would expect those inside Celtic to be taking, and the manager in particular.
Ange will not wait for anyone, and you saw how swiftly he moved on to fresh targets last season whenever he thought someone was dragging his feet.
It is clear that he has made the defensive midfield position a priority; he simply won’t allow a player to dictate the pace of our plans.
When he talks about wanting “the right type of people” it is stuff like this he has in mind. People committed to the vision he has for the club, not folk waiting for a better offer. It has been apparent for a few weeks now that this guy is stalling, or his agents are … and Ange Postecoglou is not going to tolerate that especially when there are other options out there.
The one thing we know about the boss is that he will have a Plan B. And probably a Plan C as well. I understand the club wanting to take time to explore our number one choice, but I am sure that whoever we end up with improve the team come what may.
It is time to get this guy to make a decision … or move on to the next name on the list. Celtic has a lot to offer any player. If he thinks there are better deals to be had elsewhere we should move on and let this guy find out.
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Spot on – quite rightly we should pursue the managers No 1 target in a position and try to get him but IF he’s not willing/able to commit quickly then cease talks and move on to the next target on the list. Celtic have unbelievable opportunities for players: trophies, the Champions League, a fanatical support who idolise their players, an expectation and demand to win every game which drives you to become better every day leading to a proven path to the biggest and richest league in the world. Coming to Celtic is a win win for any aspiring/up and coming player in the game – if some can’t see that and are not beating the door down to join then they’re not the right player for us….
Just HOWE long is Celtic going to give this player? I thought Postecoglu said if he needed to sell Celtic to anyone he would move on to the next target post haste.
By the way, who is he anyway? Is he any use other than as a loanee?
Ange didn’t waste any time trying to coax Riley McGree into a deal in January, for he then immediately recruited Matt O’ Riley who showed the right attitude during their quick negotiations. He has a bit more time in this window, but I am sure Ange’s philosophy will be the same, don’t mess me about son…..next!
When Jackson says he knows someone ‘close to the deal’ he means his pal was on a train going through the same city.
Have a good critical look at this fellow’s stats. His paucity of goals is poor. 2 in 32 senior game appearances. No data on assists where I looked. He is a forceful defensive central midfielder. His contract terminates end of June 2025. Does Celtic need another midfielder?
Celtic FC midfielders who can’t get a game but are good enough or borderline will be demoralized; if this signing goes ahead. Was Tom Rogic given a tap on the shoulder?
Scott Browns goal stats for a DEFENSIVE midfielder weren’t much better, but I would have another Broonie in a blink of an eye. I don’t expect players of that type to be on the score sheet on a regular basis,
When you get a liar like Jackson, divorced from the truth at best, you quickly learn not to trust a word that comes out of his mouth or more importantly don’t ever listen to a word that comes out of his mouth. So why this dribble based on what Jackson said. Really Boris tut tut that’s interesting
It looks like he is on his way to PSV now, so potential delay quickly solved.
Next?