Celtic have already added one left-back to their ranks this summer, bringing back Kieran Tierney as a free agent after he spent six years playing for Arsenal. There is little doubt that he will be the starter for the Hoops moving forward. But the club do not have a reliable backup option with both Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp leaving this summer.
Celtic need to sign a left-back. Flavio Nazinho is someone they have been linked with in recent days. But he is not the only one.
The idea of Celtic revisiting their interest in Tyrell Malacia has been floated as well. The club wanted to sign him in January before he ended up at PSV. The Dutch side did not want him on a permanent basis though. So, the Manchester United left-back finds himself in search of a home once again this summer.
Glasgow has been suggested as just that. But there are some hurdles to overcome as well. As reported by Football Insider, Celtic may only be able to complete the signing of Malacia if Manchester United subsidise the left-back’s wages.
Celtic will sign Tyrell Malacia from Man Utd on one condition
Malacia was one of the highest-rated left-backs in the Netherlands during his time at Feyenoord. He has even made nine appearances for the national team. But his career has been somewhat derailed since joining Manchester United in 2022.
Injuries and a lack of form have combined to leave him in a tough position. Celtic might be a great place for Malacia to bring his career back on track. Any move would most likely be a loan.
But then, would the player himself be open to the idea of joining Celtic only to be a cover option? As Pete O'Rourke said:
"You’d imagine Tierney would be a starter when fit for Brendan Rodgers, so I’m not sure Malacia will be too keen on moving to a club where he’s not guaranteed minutes either."
To be honest, it is much more likely that Celtic end up signing a young left-back this summer to provide backup to Tierney rather than bringing in an established name like Malacia, who will expect consistent game time. That being said, the Scottish international has a history of injuries and it would be a risk to have an unproven talent as cover.
If Tierney ends up spending significant time out on the sidelines, Celtic would find themselves in trouble in such a situation. Let's just hope that it does not come to that.