Celtic are reportedly interested in Marvin Compper.
The Scotsman reported this week that Celtic are interested in signing RB Leipzig centre-back Marvin Compper. Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers failed to sign a central defender in the summer transfer window and all signs point to a January move for the 32-year-old.
There’s only one problem: Compper – valued at £1.35 million according to Transfermarkt – would be ineligible to take part in Celtic’s Europa League in the new year and thus he is of no use to Rodgers this season.
The Northern Irishman has central defenders good enough to replicate their treble success last season, but they are not good enough when Celtic rub shoulders with big European sides.
If – and it’s a big ‘if’ – Rodgers’s side eliminate Zenit St Petersburg in the last-32 phase then the Scottish champions could potentially draw Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Napoli in the round of 16, if those European giants progress from their tie.
No disrespect to Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic but it’s worrying to consider them against any of the above sides.
Rodgers definitely needs at least one centre-back if he wants to compete at this level and although January isn’t an ideal time to recruit one, he simply must if Celtic have aspirations of venuring far in the competition.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
