It is clear that Celtic need to bring in players in a number of positions over the course of this summer transfer window. One of the positions that they need to bring reinforcements in as soon as possible is right-back.
There is not much depth in the position at this point of time. Anthony Ralston is the only recognised right-back at the club right now. And the 22-year-old is yet to show that he can be the long-term answer there.
Thus, the Hoops are expected to make a move for a right-back this summer. Royal Antwerp’s Aurelio Buta is someone whose name has emerged as a potential transfer target over the last week or so.
Recent rumours have suggested that the club has already made a €2.5 million offer for Buta. And as reported by Voetbal24 (via 67 Hail Hail), Celtic are willing to raise that offer to the €3.5 million transfer fee that Royal Antwerp are believed to be looking for.
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Would Buta be a good signing for Celtic?
Buta came through the Benfica youth system and has appeared for Portugal at multiple youth levels. But he never managed to break into the Benfica first-team picture and his senior career has been at Royal Antwerp.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has made 108 appearances for the Belgian club, scoring 2 goals and providing 19 assists. His current deal runs till the summer of 2022, meaning he is in the final 12 months of his contract.
The 24-year-old did not feature heavily last season, but before that, he had a very impressive 2019/20 campaign and was even linked with Wolves not too long ago.
Capable of playing throughout the right flank, Buta can be a solid addition to the Hoops’ squad and he could prove to be a good fit in Ange Postecoglou’s style of football. Now, it remains to be seen if the club can get a deal over the line for him. One thing is for sure though, they need to sign a right-back soon.