There are very few things that the Celtic board love more than a good free transfer. And they could be planning to pull off one such deal pretty soon. According to the Daily Record, the club are interested in signing Burnley star Robbie Brady on a pre-contract agreement as they move towards next season.
Reportedly seen as a potential key signing in the Hoops rebuild, Brady would certainly bring an element of solidity and experience to the side, as he is capable of playing both in left-midfield and at left-back, should a move north of the border materialise.
In fact, it might be in defence that the club are planning to play him. After all, Diego Laxalt is also a player who has spent most of his career at left-midfield but only features as a left-back in Neil Lennon’s side.
Due to his contract at English Premier League side Burnley expiring at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, Celtic could land themselves a high-calibre player in a problem position for the club without having to shell out any sort of transfer fee. Undoubtedly, this is an acquisition that would make perfect sense for the Glasgow giants.
Robbie Brady could be a shrewd signing for Celtic
Permanence has proved to be something of a problem over the last few years in defensive areas for them. Currently, the Hoops have three defenders who are on loan at the club temporarily in Jonjoe Kenny, Diego Laxalt and Shane Duffy.
Although all talented players, there are question marks over their futures at Parkhead heading into 2021/22. Forming a backline out of players who are likely to only stay at the club for 12 months means there is a constant process of replenishing the void left by loanees returning to their parent clubs, with no guarantee of effectively replacing those who have left.
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Fundamentally, this transfer model is unsustainable and is one built on short-termism, something that Celtic should be looking to break away from as they move towards a new era for the club.
Bringing in Robbie Brady, would allow the Hoops to have the perfect blend of youth and experience on the left hand-side of defence or in midfield, if they wish to play him there.
At 29 years of age, Brady still prospectively has a few years in the tank at a high level, he would also be viewed largely as the sort of influential figure in the dressing room the club will need to have amongst their ranks as they strive to reclaim their title after a disappointing season.
Competing with Scottish international Greg Taylor, who has managed to move ahead of Laxalt in the pecking order, Celtic could have two players pushing each other for a starting position each week for the foreseeable future.
Given the Irishman’s capability to get up during attacking moves and deliver decisive final balls, together with his relatively quick turn of pace and tackling attributes, he could be an excellent signing for the club should they successfully secure his services between now and the summer.