Celtic have opened talks for Atletico Madrid wonderkid

We all know a trip to Spain for a quick break isn’t on currently. That won’t stop Celtic taking a look at potential signings from Spanish clubs.

Firstly, there has been long running interest in the Atletico Madrid youngster with Celtic already speaking to the La Liga side and indicating they’d be very keen. Back in late July the Daily Record reported interest in a loan deal provided Rodrigo Riquelme signed a new contract with the Madrid club. Since then the picture has changed but a deal could still be on and at a bargain price.

Riquelme is still very much a developing player, he’s a Spanish 20-year-old right winger with a great potential and a lot to learn through game time experience. The Hoops could be the place as has been evidenced by Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard. He has had great reports playing in Atletico’s UEFA Youth League team but only has a couple of first team games for Atletico Madrid. And that lack of game time is the key to a move now.

As the coronavirus impacts start to hit home, Atletico Madrid are needing to make different plans for their squad. Sportwitness carry the story of what’s changing and ongoing Celtic interest in the player. Atletico’s “B” team are likely to have less games being played in a restricted lower league which could still be hit by stop and go decisions on games affected by lockdowns. That’s impacted sponsorship, income and costs are already under pressure,  meaning it’s expected that the Spanish club will have to look for new homes for some of their younger players.

There’s little chance of a breakthrough to the strong Atletico Madrid first team, “B” team football looks to be erratic and so for a player like Riquelme a move before his contract expires next June is definitely on the cards. And Celtic are in the running so far. It could be an interesting deal with one eye on the future.

Talking about the future, the news that Henrik Larsson has now been appointed as part of Ronald Koeman’s coaching team at Barcelona was welcomed and applauded by Hoops fans. Neil Lennon was also keen to add his congratulations along with a thoughtful note as reported by the Daily Record. As an ex-teammate of Larsson’s, he has a great contact point now for the Nou Camp side and Spanish football:

"“Obviously I have got a direct line into Barcelona which might be very beneficial for us going forward.“It is great to have contacts around the game and people you have either played with or worked with before at clubs. It is a great move for Henrik. It is an outstanding chapter for him in his career.”"

So while no-one else from Celtic is going to be jumping on a plane to Spain, it’s likely the Hoops will have eyes and ears on Spanish football to see what opportunities there are to strengthen Lennon’s squad. Riquelme may or may not sign, but while all Celtic fans grumble at what seems to be a slow transfer window with not a lot happening, it’s reassuring to be aware there is a lot more going on than we see.