It looks like Celtic are on the verge of missing out on another one of their long-term targets as he is closing in on a £5 million move.
When Celtic brought in Shane Duffy from Brighton and Hove Albion on a season-long loan in the summer, the general feeling was that he was going to walk through the Premiership and establish himself as the best defender in Scotland.
After all, he was a proven player in the Premier League with a lot of international experience as well. Growing up as a Celtic fan as well, it just looked like a match made in heaven. The reality has been quite different though. And now, the Hoops might be kicking themselves for not going after somebody else.
One of those guys was Mark McKenzie. The American centre-back has been brilliant in the MLS and now looks set to be rewarded with a £5 million move to KRC Genk. Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph confirmed the news on Twitter:
KRC Genk are finalising a deal with Philadelphia Union for defender Mark McKenzie.@SkySportsNews understands the two clubs have been locked in negotiations over the festive period and are now close to agreeing a fee, which could rise to nearly £5m.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 4, 2021
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That does sound like a lot of money until you remember that the Hoops paid the same amount to bring Albian Ajeti to Parkhead. And after a lively start to his career in Scotland, he has looked like a complete flop. It has been months since he last found the back of the net and looks completely out of Neil Lennon’s plans.
The Hoops are in bad need of another centre-back though. Christopher Jullien injured himself in midweek trying to prevent a goal and will be out of action for three to four months. And we already know that Duffy cannot be relied upon to be a starter. In fact, one has to question why he has not been sent back to his parent club already.
Whatever may be the case, one thing is clear – Celtic need a new centre-back and quickly. The best case scenario would have been to bring in McKenzie but with the United State international now off the market, the board will need to set their sights elsewhere. Hopefully, this one won’t be another one in their long line of transfer flops.