Celtic urged to consider signing Australia’s World Cup star

The World Cup always presents clubs across Europe and beyond with an opportunity to keep an eye on the emerging talents of the game. And Celtic fans would hope that the reigning Scottish champions have not missed a chance to earmark those potential transfer targets from football’s biggest spectacle.

Australia had a great World Cup campaign this time, with the Socceroos making it to the knockout stages of the competition and facing Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the round of 16. Though, they were eliminated at the hands of the South American powerhouse, they certainly did enough to leave with their heads held high.

The 2-1 defeat to Argentina marked the end of Australia’s run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But some of their players must have caught the eyes of several clubs with their spirited displays. St Mirren midfielder, Keanu Baccus, proved to be one of the standout performers for Graham Arnold’s team.

Having come off the bench in the three group stage matches for Australia, Baccus was handed a place in Socceroos’ starting XI against Argentina, showing how he won the trust of his manager over the course of the tournament.

Celtic urged to consider signing Australia’s World Cup star

As reported by Football Scotland, Australia assistant manager, Rene Meulensteen, said about Baccus:

"“I could see him go to France, Spain or the Championship and fit in there because he has such boundless energy to go with his technique.“Perhaps he could also move to one of the bigger clubs in Scotland. He has a lot of great attributes to his game, which is why he got the opportunities he did in Qatar. And he made the most of every situation there.”"

The 24-year-old moved to St Mirren from A-League side, Western Sydney Wanderers, in the past summer transfer window. Since arriving in Scotland, Baccus has established himself as an integral member of the team and impressed with his performances.

Although he has a contract with the Buddies until the summer of 2024, it looks like the Scottish club could be open to letting him leave for a transfer fee around £2 million in the approaching winter transfer window.

Celtic could do with a defensive midfielder, with the likes of Oliver Abildgaard and Yosuke Ideguchi struggling to make their presence felt. But it is hard to see them make a move for Baccus in the middle of the campaign.