Celtic’s popularity in Australia has grown in leaps and bounds following the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as the manager of the club last summer. There were a lot of questions about him when he first arrived but it is safe to say that the 56-year-old has proven the doubters wrong already, guiding the Hoops to a Premiership and League Cup double in a season when they were not expected to even come close to challenging the Rangers.
The upcoming season promises to be even more exciting though, with the Scottish crown to defend against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side and a return to the Champions League after several years.
Naturally, Celtic have looked to strengthen their squad this summer and one of the most interesting signings that they have made is the one of Aaron Mooy on a free transfer.
Just like there were about Postecoglou, there are question marks surrounding Mooy as well. Australia national team manager, Graham Arnold, seems to be delighted by the move though. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, he said:
"“We all know that Ange will get the best out of Aaron, and get him fit and ready.“It’s just great that he’s going to a club where they’re playing in the Champions League, and he’s going to get plenty of match minutes up there. Obviously they’re a good team, Celtic, and he’ll have his work cut out to get him in the starting XI, of course.“But the fact that he’s going to be playing a lot of football before the World Cup is a relief for myself and, no doubt, all the Socceroo fans back here in Australia to know that Aaron’s got his club future sorted out.”"
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Mooy is a player that Postecoglou will know well. In fact, it was during his time as the manager of the Australian national team that the midfielder became a key player at international level.
He has some brilliant experience at club level as well, having enjoyed good spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. He has also played in Scotland in the past, having had his big break at the senior level with St Mirren.
Thus, there is a lot to like about this deal. But at the same time, there a few worries as well. Firstly, Mooy has barely played any football this year. Secondly, he is set to turn 32 years of age soon and is not expected to be at his best anymore.
It is a short-term deal though and if Mooy can perform at a good level for a year or two for Celtic, he would be considered as a transfer success.