Lorient have already brought in a replacement for Celtic target Moritz Jenz with Montassar Talbi joining the Ligue 1 outfit from Russian side Rubin Kazan, as reported by L’Equipe.
It is no secret that Ange Postecoglou wanted a new ball-playing central defender at Parkhead this summer. And it looks as if he’s just found one.
Moritz Jenz, a versatile, tactically flexible 23-year-old who can play in the middle or wide on the right, views himself not merely as a tough-tackling stopper but also the first line of attack. Someone who’s piercing, line-breaking passes can lay the foundations for an assault at the other end of the pitch.
The fact that Jenz models himself on two of this generations’ finest, most cultured central defenders – Leonardo Bonucci and World Cup winner Jerome Boeteng – speaks volumes.
The former Fulham youngster will reportedly join Celtic on loan, per Football Scotland. An option-to-buy clause may also be included in his contract.
Lorient prepare for Moritz Jenz exit as Celtic near loan deal
And Lorient certainly aren’t wasting any time as they prepare for life without Jenz at the Stade du Moustoir. Montassar Talbi joins the Ligue 1 club on a five-year deal, after Lorient agreed a £1.3 million fee with recently relegated Rubin Kazan
Paris-born Talbi, who represents Tunisia at international level, was a target for Wolverhampton Wanderers a couple of years ago.
“He’s a player we had in mind for some time,” Benevento director Pasquale Foggia said after luring Talbi to Italy. “We managed to sign him on a free transfer, anticipating (interest from) important clubs such as Udinese, Lazio and Wolves.”
Jenz, meanwhile, will give Postecoglou further depth and quality at the heart of a Celtic backline. A backline which, while much improved from the latter day Neil Lennon era, still has a lot to learn if they are to avoid another traumatic campaign in Europe.
None of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt or Stephen Welsh are particularly proficient with the ball at their feet. Jenz, then, may suit Postecoglou’s possession-heavy, build-from-the-back approach than any of the central defenders currently on Celtic’s books.
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