Celtic are reportedly very interested in American wonderkid

Celtic are reportedly interested in the 21-year old American defender from MLS-side Philadelphia Union and want to add him to the squad.

Celtic is always looking for the next ‘big thing’ and now that appears to be a 21-year old American defender who currently plays for MLS-side Philadelphia Union. When someone says ‘American wonderkid’ thoughts of Christian Pulisic, who currently is tearing it up for Chelsea, come to mind.

Mark McKenzie is the player in question and his has been a regular in the Philadelphia squad. The New Yorker is a centre-back, a position of need for the Hoops going into the 10-in-a-row season. According to MLS Soccer there is strong interest in bringing the American on board to the Hoops.

Just yesterday, the Philadelphia Union won their match against the New York City FC in the resumption of the 2020 MLS season as part of a tournament in Orlando, Florida. McKenzie has been a stalwart in the backline for the Union and comes with glowing reviews of his play.

According to ESPN’s Taylor Twellman, Celtic are ‘all over’ the centre-back. McKenzie’s contract runs through 2022 and can be extended through 2024 via club options. The thought of breaking into a new market for the Hoops in tantalizing and there are some decent examples of American football players being productive in Europe such as Pulisic, Matt Miazga and DeAndre Yedlin, to name a few.

After rumours of Kristoffer Ajer potentially leaving the club in the near future, possibly after this upcoming season or sooner, a need to add extra coverage at the position is a must. McKenzie is technically gifted and would add a great wrinkle into the defence. The thoughts of what the American could provide the club are tantalizing.

Would you like to see the defender signed by Celtic? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments.