Celtic and Rangers were reportedly tracking Craig Sibbald in January – and now he’s a free agent after his contract at Falkirk expired.
Why Craig Sibbald has not been snapped up already this summer is anyone’s guess. The 22-year-old is one of the brightest young talents in Scottish football, the creative hub of Falkirk and, most importantly of all, a free agent.
Sibbald’s contract expired this summer, meaning he appears certain to leave the club where he rose through the ranks to become a regular starter.
And though he’s been forced to spend the majority of his career in the Scottish second tier, there’s little doubt that this Scotland Under-21 international could step up to the top flight with ease.
Falkirk’s Craig Sibbald against Celtic’s current forgotten man Scott Allan, then of Hibs
The question, however, is where? According to the Daily Record, Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers were keeping an eye on the playmaker, as well as English Championship side Nottingham Forest.
And the report adds that Sibbald, who rejected a new deal to bring an end to six years in The Bairns’ first-team, would cost a mere £180,000 a development fee this summer. Yet, it’s his talent, rather than his bargain price tag, that brought him to the attention of the Glasgow rivals.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is renowned for his ability to help young talents unleash their potential. Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor and Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts were almost unrecognisable after a year under the Northern Irishman.
Yet, with 19-year-old Ipswich Town prodigy Kundai Benyu joining Celtic’s ranks of talented midfielders, opportunities would be far from guaranteed for Sibbald at Parkhead.
As Liam Henderson and Ryan Christie will tell you, sitting on the bench does not do much for a player’s development.
Therefore, if the opportunity presented itself, Sibbald should consider choosing Rangers over the 2017 treble winners. Pedro Caixinha has shown a willingness to give young players a chance, handing Myles Beerman, David Bates and Aidan Wilson roles in the first team last season.
And, despite a raft of new signings, extra creativity wouldn’t go amiss in Rangers’ midfield. That’s where Sibbald could come in.
Though, with the playmaker now a free-agent, it is currently uncertain where his future lies.
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