Teammate makes bold prediction about Celtic target Bahlul Mustafazada

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Celtic are taking a look at Gabala defender Bahlul Mustafazada.

Celtic appear to be keen on signing Gabala defender Bahlul Mustafazada – and he has been backed for success if he does make the move to Parkhead.

The Bhoys are closing in on another league title, but face a major rebuild this summer, from the appointment of a new permanent manager to replacing some outgoing players.

Centre back is a particular area of concern, as Dedryck Boyata will be moving on when his contract expires, whilst Filip Benkovic’s loan from Leicester City will come to an end too.

Celtic won’t receive any money for either of them, so they may have to dig deep in the transfer market to land bargain reinforcements at the back – and they’re looking at one signing nobody would have predicted.

The Daily Record reported just days ago that Celtic have taken Gabala defender Mustafazada on trial, offering him the chance to earn a permanent move to Glasgow.

The 22-year-old Azerbaijani Under-21 international is far from a household name outside of his homeland, but has seemingly done enough to put himself on Celtic’s radar in a surprise move.

Now, teammate Rauf Aliyev has been quoted by the Daily Record as saying that Mustafazada has been ‘outstanding’ this season, and believes Celtic would be a very good move for the young defender.

Aliyev added that Mustafazada is determined to become a top player, and he predicts that the centre back will play in a top European league if he continues to progress as he is doing.

“This season Bahlul has been outstanding for us,” said Aliyev. “He only broke into the team really this season, but he’s earned his chance and gone from strength to strength and he’s been an important player for Gabala. I read about the interest about him from Celtic and I believe this would be a very good move for him.”

“He’s young and still learning, but he is a top prospect for Azerbaijan. Every day I see him working by himself to get better and stronger. He’s very dedicated to try and become a top player. If he continues to progress like this, I have no doubt at all he will go on and play in one of the top European leagues. He is certainly capable of it,” he added.