Celtic should make their move for Real Madrid striker Mariano as he is made available for loan.
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele
A report from Spanish outlet AS should perhaps be of interest to Celtic if they are to lose Moussa Dembele this summer, as they suggest that Real Madrid are planning something of a summer clearout.
The Daily Record recently suggested that a summer exit for Dembele was unlikely but with a number of top European clubs chasing his signature, Brendan Rodgers would surely be wise to consider potential replacements if the situation surrounding the Frenchman changes.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
One player who should perhaps be under consideration if Rodgers fancies taking another gamble, just as he arguably did with Dembele, is Madrid striker Mariano.
According to AS, Los Blancos are ready to loan Mariano out this summer in a bid to aid his development at the Bernabeu, and Celtic would arguably be an ideal destination for the 23-year-old, and it would hardly be a surprise if Zinedine Zidane agreed.
It was Zidane earlier this past season who suggested that Dembele would be wise to stay at Celtic for another couple of years (via Daily Record), so he may well feel that letting Mariano join the Hoops for a season could be as beneficial as it has been for Dembele.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane
With the Hoops, Mariano could be playing in the Champions League while also playing for a side that will undoubtedly give him plenty of chances to work with given their current domestic dominance.
And in the youngster, the Bhoys would be signing a striker who scored 27 goals in just 33 games during his most recent campaign with Madrid’s B team Castilla, so he would arguably be an excellent player to work alongside Leigh Griffiths and the rest of the strikers at the club.
If Dembele was to leave this summer, his departure would require quick action given that they appear to be planning for a season that involves the Frenchman being in the squad, so a loan move for Mariano may be a good option to pursue as it may require less negotiation than signing another player permanently.
It would, of course, not be ideal if Dembele was to leave during the coming months, but if he did, then moving for Mariano may be the kind of deal that Rodgers should undoubtedly consider as he looks to fill the void.
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