Celtic could now face competition from Manchester City and Burnley, as well as AC Milan, in the 2022 transfer race for Bologna defender Aaron Hickey, according to Calciomercato.
Pep Guardiola’s Citizens and Sean Dyche’s Clarets have joined the Bhoys and Rossoneri in tracking Hickey’s rise in Serie A. The 19-year-old’s displays at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium have now caught the eye of talent spotters for the Etihad Stadium and Turf Moor natives.
Bologna beat interest from Milan to sign Hickey on loan from Hearts last year, carrying an option to buy for €2m (£1.5m). The Rossoblu won the war as the San Siro side could not offer him an immediate starting role, which may pay off with a big move next summer.
Hickey is proving himself as one of Serie A’s best-performing full-backs over his 19 outings so far this season. The Glasgow-native scored his fourth goal of the campaign in a 3-0 win away to rivals Sassuolo on Wednesday, after strikes against Genoa, Lazio and Fiorentina.
Only seven defenders across Europe’s top-five leagues have scored four or more goals so far this term. Therefore, Bologna see the potential for a significant capital gain in Hickey.
Celtic facing tougher task to secure Hickey transfer
Manchester City and Burnley joining Celtic and AC Milan in considering a transfer for Hickey could further strengthen Bologna’s valuation. Rossoneri Technical Director Paolo Maldini has continued to keep tabs on the Scotland U21 international since missing out last year.
Reports by The Sun in October also noted Celtic have not yielded in wanting to see Hickey return to Glasgow. The defender left the Hoops’ academy before joining Hearts.
Aston Villa and other English clubs are also keen. But Italian publication Il Resto del Carlino (06/07, p68) claimed Bologna want €8m (£7m) to sell Celtic transfer target Hickey.
Growing interest will only strengthen Bologna’s position
The growing level of interest in Hickey and his performances will strengthen the Rossoblu’s position in any negotiations. So, Celtic or a rival suitor may have to fight for his transfer, as Hickey fulfils the expectations around him.
“Aaron is an extraordinary talent,” former Hearts boss Daniel Stendel told The Scottish Sun last year. “For such a young age, he is extremely calm and composed on the ball. He never panics, never loses his cool and always seems to make the right decisions.
“Despite being so young, he’s very hard to play against. Aaron as a player is like Philipp Lahm. He not only runs up and down the line, but looks for attacking moves like Lahm once did. And Aaron can also play in the central midfield. Trust me, he will have a great career.”
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