Liverpool player tipped to join Celtic permanently in January

Celtic were busy during the summer transfer window even though they received quite a bit of criticism for the moves they did make. The club opted to go for highly rated youngsters rather than going for established and experienced names, even though there had been rumours about high-profile signings following the reappointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager.

The most high-profile signing that Celtic did make in the summer was that of Nat Phillips. He was brought in on loan for the first half of the season.

Even that move was made out of necessity with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki all picking up injuries at the same time. We have not seen Phillips in the Hoops yet but that should change once the international break comes to an end.

As reported by Football Insider, when asked if Celtic had opted for a half-season loan for Phillips in hopes that their centre-backs would be fit by January, Alan Hutton said:

"“Possibly, that is one way of looking at it.“But it could also be from Liverpool’s point of view – do they want to sell him on? Do they want a fee in? Could that happen in January? Was it close to happening in the summer?“There could be multiple things going on in the background. If he kicks on and does well it could possibly be a permanent move for Celtic we will wait and see.“"

Liverpool player tipped to join Celtic permanently in January

The fact of the matter is that Celtic have a lot of centre-backs on their books right now. Perhaps even too many.

It will be interesting to see how Rodgers manages their game time when everybody is fit and available. Thus, it is pretty likely that Phillips’ stint at Celtic Park would be a short one.

But if he does end up shining at Parkhead, one would hope that Celtic at least make an attempt to sign him on a permanent basis. One has to remember that Carl Starfelt left in the summer and the club do not have a clear successor to him yet.

At the same time, if Phillips was signed permanently and Carter-Vickers regained his position in the starting XI once he returned from injury, it could hinder the progress of summer signings Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke. A difficult puzzle to navigate through.