It is no secret that Celtic could do with another left-back right now. Greg Taylor did a tremendous job in Ange Postecoglou’s system but he might not be best suited to Brendan Rodgers’ style of football and how full-backs feature in it. On the other hand, Alexandro Bernabei has major defensive shortcomings and does not seem to be a reliable player that the Hoops can depend upon.
So, a lot of Celtic fans would be happy if the club ended up signing a left-back this summer. And recently, they have been linked with one.
Quentin Merlin is 21 years of age and currently plays for FC Nantes. He is a bright prospect and has represented France at the youth levels as well.
It will not be easy to sign him though. When asked what kind of a transfer fee it would take to sign Merlin, Emmanuel Merceron replied on Twitter, that he felt it would be between €8 million to €12 million.
Celtic already handed €12 million Merlin problem
It is hard to imagine that Celtic would shell out that kind of a transfer fee on a 21-year-old left-back. Especially when they have multiple players capable of playing there in their squad already.
Thus, if it would really take that kind of a transfer fee to sign Merlin from Nantes, then it is hard to see a move to Parkhead transpire for the youngster. Of course, never say never in football. So, let’s see how things play out.
Someone like Merlin would be a good addition to this squad though. He ticks all the boxes that Celtic look for when it comes to signing a player. If he can develop as expected, it is not hard to imagine him ending up in the Premier League in the very near future.
But then, every transfer comes with risk. Would Celtic be willing to take a risk of that magnitude on Merlin?