Championship right-back linked with Celtic transfer

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Nathan Bryne of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Derby County at John Smith's Stadium on October 21, 2020 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Nathan Bryne of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Derby County at John Smith's Stadium on October 21, 2020 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Celtic’s rebuild is certainly progressing. The club had already signed Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide from Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the transfer window and have announced the signings of Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi and Bosun Lawal over the past couple of days.

Yet, there are still a number of positions in the squad that need strengthening. One of them is certainly right-back.

Both Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Abd Elhamed departed Parkhead in the previous campaign. Jonjoe Kenny, on loan from Everton, served as the club’s starting right-back in the second half of the campaign but he has also left with his loan spell coming to an end.

Anthony Ralston is the only recognised right-back at the club at this point of time and as a result, they would be expected to strengthen there this summer. And as reported by The Scottish Sun, Derby County’s Nathan Byrne has emerged as a potential target for that position for the Hoops.

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Byrne linked with Celtic move

The 29-year-old has been a regular in the Championship and League One through the course of his career, playing for a number of clubs over that period of time.

According to stats from Transfermarkt, he made 41 appearances for Derby County last season, providing 4 assists.

Byrne is capable of playing at both right-back and right midfield, and even on the left flank if the situation calls for it. Thus, his versatility can be very useful for any team that he plays for.

He is not the only right-back that the Hoops have been linked with in recent weeks though. Rennes’ Brandon Soppy and Sacha Boey also appear to be on their radar.

Now, it remains to be seen who the club end up signing. But it goes without saying that right-back is a position that the Hoops must try to strengthen in over the course of the summer transfer window.