Celtic fans must have felt that the club had solved their midfield issues for years to come when they signed three in January in the form of Yosuke Ideguchi, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate. But that all changed at the end of the season when it emerged that both Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton, two of the longest serving players at the club, had decided to part ways in the summer.
It goes without saying that it was a major blow to the midfield depth and quality at Parkhead and Celtic might need to make more additions there this summer.
The defensive midfield position might be of particular worry, as the likes of Ideguchi, Ismaila Soro and James McCarthy have all struggled in recent times and Bitton was arguably the best option that Postecoglou had when it comes to bringing someone off the bench to solidify things and see out the game.
One player that they have been linked with recently is Vinicius Souza. The Brazilian midfielder is currently with Belgian second division side, Lommel SK, but enjoyed a fantastic season out on loan at KV Mechelen last time around.
Celtic have been in talks for Souza
As tweeted out by Ekrem Konur, Celtic have been in talks with Lommel SK over the transfer of Souza. If the Hoops are indeed able to sign him, whether it be on a permanent basis or on loan, it would be a major coup on the part of the club.
He was absolutely excellent last season at KV Mechelen and one of the best players in the Belgian top division.
A permanent move seems very unlikely this summer though, as it is believed that Lommel SK will look for a transfer fee around €9 million. Thus, a loan with an option to buy, which worked wonders last season with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota, might be the perfect solution for Celtic.