Celtic have been linked with quite a few players this summer and it is only natural that they are not going to end up signing all or even most of them. The Hoops have made five additions already though, with the latest one being Maik Nawrocki. The Polish youth international has been signed from Legia Warsaw.
Nawrocki is not the only centre-back that Celtic have been linked with recently though, as it has become a position of worry in the absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers. Stephen Welsh is expected to leave this summer after failing to establish himself at the senior level while there are already question marks about the long-term future of Yuki Kobayashi at Parkhead, as he has struggled to impress since joining in the January window.
Another centre-back that Celtic have been rumoured with an interest in is Xavier Mbuyamba. The Dutch player currently plays for FC Volendam in the Eredivisie. But it looks like he has an eye on a move to Italy.
As reported by De Telegraaf, Mbuyamba is convinced after a conversation with manager Andrea Pirlo that he wants to go to Sampdoria. He already has an agreement with the Italian club.
Celtic target agrees deal to join Pirlo’s team
Sampdoria are currently in Serie B and will be looking to get back to the Italian top flight as soon as possible. They have appointed Pirlo as their manager recently.
It remains to be seen if they are successful in signing Mbuymba or not this summer. While they appear to have an agreement with the player in place, they will need to agree a transfer fee with FC Volendam as well.
While Celtic were linked with a move for Mbuyamba, it is uncertain whether they had any plans to pursue his signature after bringing in Nawrocki. For the time being, they should be happy with the options they have at centre-back.