It looks like Celtic might have gotten a hand in the transfer market by the unlikeliest of sources. Admittedly, the Rangers have been busy in this window, although most of their notable business has been making loan signings. Yet, recently, it looks like the Ibrox club have slipped up in one of those potential deals and that might have opened up the window of opportunity for the Hoops.
As reported by CeltsAreHere, Rangers have missed out on Chelsea’s centre-back Ishe Samuels-Smith. He is now moving to Strasbourg on a permanent basis.
So, why is this good news for Celtic? Well, because it might open the door for them to complete a different deal this summer.
Celtic are believed to be in talks to sign Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from Manchester City on loan. Strasbourg are another club who were believed to have shown a serious interest in signing the centre-back. But now that they are set to sign Samuels-Smith, it is unlikely that they will go for him as well. So, that increases the Hoops' chances of getting a deal done.
Celtic transfer on due to Rangers failure to complete deal
Of course, this update does not mean that Celtic now have a free run at completing this deal for Simpson-Pusey. He is believed to be on the radar of English clubs as well. So, the Hoops will need to do well to get this over the line.
One thing worth keeping an eye on is the fact that Manchester City are only believed to be open to the idea of a loan deal for the centre-back. So, signing him would not be a long-term solution for Celtic's issues in that area of the pitch.
They do need to add to their depth at centre-back though, especially after Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki have left this summer. Hopefully, they will be able to get this deal done.