Celtic legend John Hartson believes a move north of the border would be ‘very wise’ for Newcastle United’s Premier League misfit Ryan Fraser.
If, to borrow Hartson’s phrase, the Scotland international ‘lit up the Premier League’ at AFC Bournemouth, then it’s fair to say the bulb has blown at St James’ Park.
The diminutive Ryan Fraser only made eight top-flight appearances in 2022/23, although a niggling hamstring injury played a part in his lack of game time.
According to the Daily Record, the one-time Aberdeen flyer is now being offered around to a number of different clubs as Newcastle look to get a forgotten man off the wage bill. Celtic are reportedly among them.
But with a host of talented wingers already earning a living at Parkhead – Yang Hjun-Jun and Marco Tilio joining James Forrest, Mikey Johnston, Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda in Glasgow – there may be an argument that Fraser needs Celtic more than Celtic need Fraser.
Celtic linked with Newcastle winger Ryan Fraser
“He is a good player and has not been played regularly of late. I am not too sure if he is in Howe’s plans. And they are looking at the top end market now, Newcastle,” Hartson tells Go Radio.
“Ryan Fraser is a talent. And joining Celtic would be a very wise move as he has a lot to prove as well.
“Newcastle almost want to give him away and get him off the wage bill, so they can move on and look to invest in another player.”
Fraser, the Daily Record adds, earns over £60,000-a-week at Newcastle. Should Celtic make a move, the now-29-year-old forward would have to weigh up finances against his footballing prospects; a sizeable pay-cut almost inevitable at Parkhead.
“It’s just whether or not Celtic want to take on Ryan Fraser. (His wages) are almost up there with the top earners (at Newcastle),” Hartson adds.
“(But) Ryan Fraser has been a very good player. I thought he lit the Premier League up at times when at Bournemouth.”
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