Celtic’s transfer wishlist for the summer is expanding as the summer transfer window progresses. The latest addition to Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou’s list is Sheffield United’s English right-back, George Baldock. The Hoops have registered interest in the 28-year-old full-back, as per Daily Record.
Baldock’s contract is set to expire next year at Bramall Lane and selling him this summer would be beneficial for the Blades than letting him go as a free agent next season. The interest from the Parkhead side is considered serious and talks are already in motion.
Celtic and George Baldock had an encounter in the summer of 2019. The Bhoys were linked with the player and also offered a deal to sign him, but the Blades getting promoted to the Premier League made the player stay in England. Now, Sheffield United are again playing in the Championship and the Scottish Premiership can offer a similar level of competition for the defender.
He featured in 74 games for the Blades in two seasons while being in the Premier League, but the relegation from the top-tier was very disappointing. This has added pressure on the Sheffield management to let some of their players leave in the transfer window including Baldock.
Baldock has been a crucial figure for the Blades in the past few seasons. His presence on the right flank was a key contributor to their attacks against oppositions. However, they might need to find a replacement for the full-back if Celtic succeed in getting the deal over the edge.
Ange Postecoglou has already revealed his summer interests by targeting some of the most exciting talents of Europe. Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide have both arrived from south of the border but the Hoops must press on ahead of an important European qualification phase.The signing of George Baldock can add more firepower to the wing-back department at Celtic currently ruled by Anthony Ralston.
Other Transfer Interests for Celtic
Celtic have got more concerns in defense. Norwegian defender Kristoffer Ajer’s contract will expire next season and is looking for a move away from Parkhead this summer. Premier League side Norwich City, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg are all interested in the defender’s services. Meanwhile, Celtic are said to be very close to signing Hajduk Split’s Mario Vuskovic. The 19-year-old Croatian defender is being tracked by various clubs, but Celtic are the frontrunners for his signature.
French midfielder Olivier Ntcham, who is on loan at Marseille, is returning this summer. Although he has one more year left in his contract with the Hoops, Ntcham is being linked with the Greek side AEK Athens. Also, Erik Sviatchenko of Danish club FC Midtjylland is being linked with a return to the Glasgow side this summer as per rumors.
Ecuadorian youngster Piero Hincapie is another transfer prospect for Celtic this summer. However, the transfer market is yet to make any clear statements, and rumours are doing their part to keep up the suspense till the last moment.
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