Celtic were reportedly interested in signing Connor Roberts as Mikael Lustig heads into the final months of his current Parkhead deal.
The January transfer window is not even open yet and Celtic appear to have received a setback in the market with the news that Connor Roberts has signed a new contract with Swansea City (via club’s official website).
Right-back has arguably been a weak point for the Hoops over the last year. Mikael Lustig has been a fantastic servant for the Bhoys, but his form has dipped and Brendan Rodgers does not seem to have much faith in Cristian Gamboa or Anthony Ralston at the moment.
Roberts would have been a brilliant signing. The 23-year-old is developing into an excellent defender for club and country, and landing him at the end of his Swansea contract would have been an inspired deal from the Hoops.
But with a move for the youngster now seemingly off the table, Celtic really need to consider shaking a leg and getting Lustig’s future resolved.
And with Roberts no longer available, Celtic would be wise to take up that option in Lustig’s deal.
He may not be at his best, but he is still one of the finest full-backs in the Scottish Premiership and is a leader amongst the Celtic squad.
And even if Celtic do manage to land a marquee target in that area of the field, then keeping Lustig as a backup would still be a very smart move.
Some Hoops fans may be convinced that Lustig needs replacing. But with no replacement found so far, taking up the option in the Sweden international’s contract appears to be a must before he decides to call time on his Hoops career.
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