Celtic should make audacious attempt to sign star for free

Celtic will have the opportunity to pursue English Premier League star Ryan Fraser this summer after rumours have connected the club and player.

Let us start by saying this: there have been numerous rumours since January that have connected Ryan Fraser to Celtic. Fraser, the former Aberdeen man, will see his contract expire at the end of the month with Bournemouth and will be looking for a move to a new club.

Fraser will likely be looking for a move to a top six club in the EPL, but those types of opportunities are hard to come by even for a player who was second in assists in 2018/19 behind only Eden Hazard. However, there have been rumblings that the left-winger wouldn’t mind a move back to Scotland to play for the Champions in the 10-in-a-row campaign.

It would make sense for the Hoops from pure talent and personnel standpoint. Fraser would be a massive upgrade to the club in a season where history could be made as well as the possibility of Champions League Groups Stage play.

Current left-winger Mohamed Elyounoussi is set to return to his parent club of Southampton which will leave a hole to fill if a deal cannot be worked out to retain his services. While a permanent move is unlikely for Elyounoussi due to asking price, Fraser could come at a low transfer fee due to his contract status. This could be a much smarter financial move for Celtic if they wish to save a bulk of change.

The real issue lies not in whether Fraser would want a move to Glasgow, nor a transfer fee, but his wages. Apparently the player is asking for £100k per week in wages which more than puts him out of grasp for the Hoops. Clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham, whom the player has been linked to, would be some of the only clubs that could afford him. Even his reported “first choice” club of Everton won’t even entertain that type of request according to The Times.

Elyounoussi himself is on about £60k per week and would require a transfer fee to make the move permanent. If Fraser would be willing to take less in weekly wages and come at a low transfer fee then the Hoops would have to swoop in and make a deal happen.

This will only be possible if a top six club in the EPL or Everton are unwilling to negotiate or have little interest in him. A player of Fraser’s calibre would instantly improve Celtic’s squad already headed by some incredible talent such as Odsonne Edouard, James Forrest and Callum McGregor, to name a few.

Of course, bringing in a highly paid player like Fraser could mean the reunion between the Hoops and goalkeeper Fraser Forster would likely be put on hold. Celtic would have a tough time keeping up with the wage bill even if both superstars were willing to take a pay cut.

In the end, bring in Ryan Fraser would be a massive financial commitment, but one that is well worth pursuing when so much is on the line this upcoming campaign. He would invigorate a passionate fan base for what could and should be the most important year in club history since 1967.