Celtic are believed to be on the lookout for a defensive midfielder this summer. That has remained a problematic position for the club for a few years now. They have had players like Ismaila Soro, Tomoki Iwata, Oliver Abildgaard and more. But none of them were able to establish themselves in the first-team picture and eventually ended up leaving the club.
That is not going to stop Celtic from trying again though. Over the past several weeks, we have seen them being linked with a long list of defensive midfielders. That includes names like Kalidou Sidibe, Wataru Endo, Elvis Rexhbecaj and a few others.
In most matchups, that is not a position which is a worry for the Scottish champions. That being said, Celtic could definitely do with a defensive midfielder in the big European games and against the Rangers domestically, as has been clear from their past two losses and conceding nine goals over the previous three Glasgow Derbies.
CeltsAreHere recently did a scouting report on players in La Liga and the Spanish second division. One name they suggested for Celtic is that of Antonio Blanco.
Celtic tipped to sign former Real Madrid midfielder and Spain international
Blanco came through the youth system at Real Madrid. He made six senior appearances for the team but as so many before him, he was not able to establish himself as a regular contributor for the 15-time Champions League winner.
Blanco would end up leaving Real Madrid on a permanent basis in 2023, after a couple of loan spells. He joined Alaves and has established himself as a regular starter there.
Alaves are in a difficult position though. They sit at 17th in La Liga and are trying to avoid relegation. If they end up in the second division, one would imagine that a player like Blanco would be on his way out and that would open the door for Celtic to sign him.
He is 24 years of age and has already represented Spain at the international level. He is described as a Sergio Busquets-type defensive midfielder, which would fit Celtic.