Celtic added to their centre-back ranks recently, bringing in Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal. But it is worth pointing out that he has made only six senior appearances in his career. Most fans would be happier if somebody were brought in with a bit more experience under their belt. And a pretty good opportunity appears to have opened up in that respect.
In the past, we have suggested Alfie Gilchrist as a possible option for Celtic on more than one occasion. And it looks like he has been made available for a very modest transfer fee this summer.
As reported by Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are now willing to lower their £5m asking price for Gilchrist. A fee of £1.5m plus add-ons is viewed as acceptable, with a sell-on clause likely in any deal.
Gilchrist ticks a lot of boxes that Celtic look for when signing players. And at this point, signing him feels like a bit of a no-brainer. Of course, it remains to be seen if the drop in asking price leads to interest from the Scottish champions.
Celtic must sign centre-back as Chelsea drop asking price
Gilchrist made 17 senior appearances for Chelsea in the 23/24 season, under the management of Mauricio Pochettino. He was also named their Academy Player of the Season.
Last season, he did not appear to be in Enzo Maresca's plans and was sent out on loan to Sheffield United. There he played a key role as his side had one of the best defences in the Championship for quite a while.
Gilchrist made his name while coming through the Chelsea youth ranks as a centre-back. But he has played the majority of his football at the senior level as a right-back owing to the circumstances. For a £1.5 million fee, a move does feel like a bargain and then some.