One Celtic signing target could give defence huge boost

With all the focus on the goalkeeping position it’s easy to overlook the need to strengthen elsewhere in the Celtic defence.

Now that Jozo Simunovic has left and there’s still uncertainty around when Kristoffer Ajer will move on, as he surely will, a centre half to join looks essential to join Celtic.

There are some options, Stephen Welsh for example who made his debut against Hamilton Accies in February signing a new contract and looking less likely to go back out on loan. Or Nir Bitton returning to that position again while Hatem Abd Elhamed has held down a centre half slot at times.

But they feel either makeshift or in Welsh’s case, more for the future. An injury or two, a suspension perhaps could soon dramatically thin any cover. At least we don’t have to get around the who can play on a plastic pitch problem as much now that Simunovic has gone.

It makes sense for the club to be looking at alternatives though and the stories of a potential player being considered are welcome good news and no surprise.

The media is full of talk of Celtic following up on 22-year old, 6’4” Croatian defender Branimir Kalaica who is currently playing for Benfica. Kalaica did score for them on his first team debut against Boavista in 2017 but has spent more time getting a regular run-out in the Benfica B team. Kalaica has ambitions to play at a high level and impressed widely playing for Croatia in the last European U-21 championships last summer. But he’s not getting first team football and that has triggered interest elsewhere.

Kalaica is described in the Daily Mail as a ball playing dominant centre half and Benfica have high hopes for him. They see their B team as a great development opportunity for the future.

He does sound like a player for Celtic to consider. That style would very much fit the bill. His height will help our defence and attack at set plays. And with lots of high pressure games to come for the hoops  there’s likely to be plenty of opportunities.

Kalaica looks to be promising, would be likely to develop and perhaps offer a good sell on for profit in 2-3 years if he does progress well. Worth a look but Celtic will face stiff competition from English clubs Watford and Leeds who are also interested.