Celtic should sign Chelsea player for free this summer

Celtic have been extremely smart with their signings in recent times. The fact that they have won the last two league titles is remarkable, considering they finished trophyless and 25 points behind the Rangers in the Premiership in the 2020/21 campaign. The expectation was that it would take the Hoops two to three years just to get back to challenging the Ibrox club.

Of course, the players, the manager and the coaching staff deserve all the credit in the world for this remarkable turnaround. But their scouting and recruitment has played a huge part as well.

The club could have an interesting opportunity to pull off a transfer masterstroke in the summer. Chelsea U21s captain, Alfie Gilchrist, might be available as a free agent.

As tweeted out by Felix Johnston, Chelsea are at huge risk of losing Gilchrist. His contract expires this summer. The Blues want to keep him, but the youngster is exploring his options. He has many offers, with one being from Sheffield United.

Celtic should sign Chelsea player for free this summer

Gilchrist is just 19 years of age and he is a centre-back. He is the captain of Chelsea’s U21s side. And the Blues have consistently produced some great talent over the years.

Gilchrist is very highly rated at the club but does not have a clear pathway into the team, especially after the plethora of signings that Chelsea have made in recent times. Thus, he could leave at the end of the campaign.

If that is the case, Celtic should definitely throw their hat into the transfer race. The club could do with another centre-back next season, with Stephen Welsh expected to leave in the summer, having failed to carve out a meaningful role in Ange Postecoglou’s plans. And someone like Gilchrist could be perfect to take his place in the squad.