Scottish Premiership champions Celtic reportedly want Basel right-back Widmer after ex-Leicester City defender Danny Simpson turned them down.
Danny Simpson’s decision to turn down Celtic could be a blessing in disguise after all.
According to the Scottish Sun, the former Leicester City defender spent last week training with Neil Lennon’s side. But, once Hatem Abd Elhamed arrived from Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Simpson suddenly got cold feet, worrying that he’= would spend much of next season sat on the bench.
Yes, Celtic have missed out on an experienced Premier League defender, a league champion with Leicester City who honed his trade under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. But few supporters will care if Silvan Widmer arrives instead.
According to the Scottish Daily Mail (24 July, page 82), Celtic have now turned their attention to the £5 million Basel right-back.
And, while Simpson would have represented something of a cheap, short-term solution, Widmer looks like a far more inspired addition to the Hoops’ squad.
The Switzerland international is six years younger after all and, while Simpson is in the autumn of his career, Widmer has plenty of time left at the top level.
He is faster, more gifted technically and, with seven assists for Basel last season, he set up as many goals in 12 months as Simpson managed in 213 Premier League appearances.
Yes, Widmer would probably cost around £5 million more but if Celtic are serious about pushing on in Europe they have got to think better than 32-year-old free agents.
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