Celtic have been looking to strengthen their ranks at centre-back for a while now. Since Carl Starfelt left in the summer of 2021, they have never really been able to find a proper replacement for him. The likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Maik Nawrocki, Nat Phillips and more have been signed without much result. Lately, a former Inter Milan player has been on their radar if reports are accurate.
The last time Celtic signed an established Ligue 1 centre-back, it was Christopher Jullien. Now, it looks they have their eyes on another physical defender currently playing their football in France.
The player we are talking about is none other than Etienne Youte. He currently plays for Le Havre in Ligue 1. The 6 ft 5 in French centre-back is believed to be one of the names on Celtic's transfer shortlist this summer. And it looks like the Hoops have been handed a major boost in the race to sign him.
Jean-Michel Roussier, Le Havre president, has suggested that Youte could be available for a bargain fee this summer. As reported by the Glasgow Times, he said:
"We have to sell at a lower cost.
"We are a company that is losing money."
Celtic can now sign €5m centre-back target for bargain fee
The centre-back was once part of the youth ranks at Inter Milan. He was unable to make the grade there and then ended up playing for Olympiacos B.
Since joining Le Havre, he has been able to establish himself at the Ligue 1 level. Now, it remains to be seen if Celtic are able to get a deal done for him. Of course, there is no guarantee that they will even make a move for him this summer.
He is not the only centre-back that Celtic have been linked with in recent times. And it does not feel like he will be the last one either.