Celtic linked with interest in 26-year-old Dutch left-back

Celtic need to strengthen in the upcoming January transfer window. Early on in the season, it had looked like the title race was over and the Hoops were going to cruise to their third straight league triumph. Unfortunately, Brendan Rodgers' side have slipped up several times since then and the momentum seems to be with the Rangers at this moment.

Hopefully, Celtic will bring in some quality players in the January transfer window and discover some form and consistency. Something they have not done since the arrival of Rodgers in the summer.

Left-back is an area where an addition might be needed. Greg Taylor has struggled to replicate the form that he had shown under the management of Ange Postecoglou. On the other hand, Alexandro Bernabei has barely featured and does not seem to have a future at Parkhead.

Celtic have been linked with Tiago Araujo of Estoril in recent times. But he is not the only left-back who seems to be in their sights.

Celtic linked with interest in 26-year-old Dutch left-back

Rumours doing the rounds online suggest that Celtic have scouted Gijs Smal of FC Twente as well. But several other clubs are also interested in him and it could take a decent transfer fee to sign him.

Smal is 26 years of age and has played more than 170 games at the senior level. Thus, one would expect someone of his experience to come in and immediately challenge for a spot in the starting XI.

Smal has faced some fitness issues lately but he was excellent in the previous campaign. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he scored 2 goals and provided 12 assists in 44 appearances for FC Twente in the 2022/23 season.

Thus, someone like him could be an excellent addition for Celtic. But a move for Araujo feels more likely.