Over the last few weeks, we have seen Celtic being linked with a number of midfielders. It looks like the club are in search of a defensive midfielder at the moment. Kalidou Sidibe of Guingamp, Elvis Rexhbecaj of FC Augsburg, Wataru Endo of Liverpool and quite a few others have cropped up as potential summer transfer targets for the Hoops. In fact, they even quietly made an offer for Giorgi Kochorashvili of Levante but lost out to Sporting CP.
An interesting name could end up becoming available as a free agent this summer though. Someone who is in his prime, at 29 years of age, and is still starting consistently at the Premier League level.
In their list of Premier League players available to Celtic and Rangers on free transfers this summer, one of the names The Scotsman put forward is that of Will Hughes. The English midfielder is in the final few months of his contract at Crystal Palace.
Hughes has started 19 games for Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season and overall, he has made 31 appearances across all competitions. So, he is still an important part of the Eagles' setup, even though his contract is running out.
Celtic tipped to sign Crystal Palace midfielder as a free agent this summer
If Hughes does end up becoming available as a free agent this summer, which is looking likely, there is not expected to be a lack of interest in his signature. After all, he has played 175 matches in the Premier League and a further 195 in the English Championship.
That level of experience is not readily available, especially on a free transfer. And perhaps Celtic should look towards someone like him, if they want to succeed at the European level, rather than going for another project signing.
It remains to be seen what the club decide to do this summer regarding their defensive midfield position. But signing Hughes could be a solution.