Celtic are plotting a 2027 move for one of Martin O’Neill‘s top targets, after receiving criticism for their performance in the 1-0 defeat against Rangers at Parkhead at the weekend.
Chris Sutton was particularly disappointed by O’Neill’s tactics and suggested central midfield was the 74-year-old’s biggest issue, saying: “I think he [O’Neill} went a bit more pragmatic today with the way Celtic set up. Celtic didn’t create enough.
“There are huge problems ahead for Celtic until January; that lack of physicality in the middle of the pitch is the biggest problem.”
After losing Reo Hatate and Arne Engels in the summer transfer window, it was important for the Hoops to strengthen in the middle of the park, especially considering the latter was very important from an attacking point of view, picking up 17 goals and 22 assists in 100 matches.
In fairness, Mika Baur is already off the mark, scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory at St. Johnstone, but fellow midfield arrival Joel van den Berg is still very young at just 19-years-old, and may not be able to make an instant impact.
As pointed out by Sutton, the lack of physicality may also be an issue, with Mika Baur winning just two of the seven aerial duels he contested in the loss against Rangers, and a new central midfielder is now in the 55-time Scottish champions’ sights.
Celtic planning fresh attempt to sign Gvidas Gineitis
According to a report from Football Insider, Celtic are prepared to make a fresh move for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, should the Serie A side be willing to reduce their asking price.
Gineitis was identified as O’Neill’s top midfield target during the summer transfer window, but the Hoops were unable to get a deal over the line, with the Lithuanian ultimately remaining in Italy.
Torini were holding out for £13m during the summer, which the Hoops were unwilling to pay, after breaking their transfer record to sign Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt.
|
Celtic’s summer signings |
Age |
Former club |
Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kasper Høgh |
25 |
Bodø/Glimt |
£11m |
|
Mika Baur |
22 |
Paderborn |
£6.8m |
|
Haissem Hassan |
24 |
Real Oviedo |
£6m |
|
Camilo Durán |
24 |
Qarabağ |
£5.5m |
|
Joël van den Berg |
19 |
PSV |
£3.4m |
|
Jordan Lotomba |
27 |
Feyenoord |
Undisclosed |
|
Oliver Sørensen |
24 |
Parma |
Loan |
|
Shumaira Mheuka |
18 |
Chelsea U21 |
Loan |
|
Sam Johnstone |
33 |
Wolves |
Loan |
|
Landon Emenalo |
18 |
Chelsea U21 |
Loan |
The Torino maestro has picked up one assist in four Serie A matches this season, while he has also displayed his defensive qualities by averaging 2.3 tackles per 90, the joint-highest number in his squad.
Scout Jacek Kulig has been impressed by Gineitis’ performances at international level do, suggesting he could one day go on to be a Lithuania legend.