Reports have emerged suggesting that Celtic want to sign AS Roma’s Moroccan international wing-back.
It is very clear that Celtic do not have the personnel right now to successfully play the style of football that Wilfried Nancy has been trying to implement since his arrival. In order to do that, they will have to make a few additions in the January transfer window. That has to include strengthening at wing-back.
Nancy has opted to use Kieran Tierney as one of the back three. As a result, the options at wing-back have been far from ideal.
It is possible that Marcelo Saracchi could fit that role. But at the moment, the Uruguayan international is out with a hamstring issue. On the other hand, a player from AS Roma is being linked with Celtic as a potential option.
As reported by Africafoot, PSV Eindhoven has made significant progress towards finalising the transfer of Anass Salah-Eddine. But if negotiations fail or if the Moroccan international rejects the proposed terms, other interested clubs might swoop in and try to get a deal done. Nottingham Forest, FC Porto, Sevilla, Celtic, and Werder Bremen are all likely to make a move if the opportunity arises.
Celtic want to sign AS Roma’s Moroccan international wing-back
Salah-Eddine is 23 years of age and is currently on loan at PSV from AS Roma. At the international, he has represented Morocco, although he did come up playing for Netherlands at a variety of youth levels.
PSV are believed to have an option to buy included in the deal. So, a move to the Dutch club does seem like the most likely path for the AS Roma defender, who can play as a left-back or as a left wing-back, which is the role Celtic would want him in, if they are able to sign the 23-year-old.
Of course, the chances of Celtic landing the signature of Salah-Eddine are slim. So, the club should have other targets. At the same time, the club should be looking at the right wing-back position as well. Anthony Ralston is not good enough to be a starter while Alistair Johnston has dealt with way too many injuries in recent years for the club to continue to rely on him to remain fit for the entirety of a season.