The Bournemouth manager has high hopes for the midfielder – so what chance do Celtic have of getting their man?
As if watching Celtic cruise to the Scottish Premiership title without breaking sweat hasn’t been traumatising enough for Rangers, the prospect of their fans favourite rocking up to Ibrox in green and white next season is the stuff of nightmares.
Yet, according to the Daily Record, Brendan Rodgers’ side have made contact with Bournemouth over the possibility of signing Emerson Hyndman on a permanent basis in the summer.
You can see why Celtic would be interested. The 20-year-old American has had a huge impact since arriving on loan at Ibrox in January, scoring four goals while adding subtlety and creativity in attack.
And with Patrick Roberts’ 18-month deal from Manchester City coming to an end in a matter of weeks, Rodgers will need to replenish his forward ranks as Celtic aim to challenge for a seventh straight title next season.
Hyndman, therefore, will surely fit the bill.
However, just because Bournemouth loaned the former Fulham youngster to Ibrox in January doesn’t mean they’ll flog him to Celtic Park in June. After all, Eddie Howe made explicitly clear that Hyndman’s temporary stay in Scotland was as much for Bournemouth’s long-term benefit as his own.
“Emerson has huge potential to be a very good player for us over a number of years. To get to that point we felt he needed to play games,” Howe told the Daily Echo. “The reason behind the Rangers move was twofold.
“The size of the club and the experience he will gain up there, in terms of the pressure environment and the amount of people watching him, we felt would be really good for him.”
Hyndman, who has three years remaining on his contract at the Vitality Stadium, is clearly a major part of Bournemouth’s plans going forward. And with Jack Wilshere seemingly set to return to Arsenal at the end of his loan, the two-time USA international could play a central role as early as next season.
Therefore, Celtic will face an uphill struggle to get their man.
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