Celtic were linked with Moritz Bauer over the summer.
Celtic may well decide to keep Mikael Lustig in 2019 by offering him a contract extension, but a right back will still be a priority for manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Bhoys will most likely look to extend Lustig’s deal, but Cristian Gamboa is also out of contract at the end of the season, and Anthony Ralston has yet to really show that he can step up to first-team action.
A right back should therefore be targeted in January, and one player that Celtic allegedly wanted over the summer would surely be a simple signing in 2019.
The Daily Mail reported in August that, with Rodgers looking to bolster his right back options, Celtic were keen to land Stoke City ace Moritz Bauer, who showed real promise in the Premier League last season following a January move from Rubin Kazan.
The Austrian international demonstrated great attacking ability along with real pace, and quickly became a fan favourite before Gary Rowett bizarrely froze him out of the side at the bet365 Stadium.
Bauer now hasn’t made a single Championship appearance in almost three months, falling completely out of favour under Rowett to leave fans bemused and confused with his absence.
The 26-year-old is of a good age for Celtic to bring in, has European and international experience as well as a stint in the Premier League, and would surely jump at the chance to leave Stoke’s sidelines for a title bid with Celtic.
With Stoke boss Rowett clearly not wanting him, and Rodgers allegedly keen back in August, a move makes sense for all parties – and if Celtic come calling, may be January’s easiest deal to secure.
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