Fabrizio Romano confirms bad news for Celtic

One position most Celtic fans wanted to see strengthened in the winter is left-back. Unfortunately, despite plenty of rumours, there was no movement in that area of the squad. Since then, the Hoops have been further weakened there, with Alexandro Bernabei leaving on loan to join SC Internacional of Brazil.

So, Greg Taylor is pretty much the only recognised left-back Celtic have right now with Liam Scales also capable of playing there. Not a position you want to be in for long.

Naturally, one would be expecting Celtic to sign a left-back in the summer. And one of the players the club were rumoured to hold an interest in is Gijs Smal of FC Twente.

Several Dutch outlets had linked both Celtic and the Rangers with Smal. 26 years of age, one would expect him to come in and immediately challenge for a spot in the starting XI. He is also set to be available as a free agent, which is an added incentive to try and sign the Dutchman. But unfortunately, it looks like while the left-back will leave FC Twente soon, he will be remaining in the Netherlands.

Fabrizio Romano confirms bad news for Celtic

As tweeted by Fabrizio Romano, the agreement between Feyenoord and Smal to join as a free agent in the summer is almost done, despite no formal confirmation from the player side yet. A verbal pact is in place and he turned down a proposal from abroad to join the Eredivisie team.

So, it looks like Celtic have missed out on Smal. That is unfortunate as he could have been a solid addition to this team.

It is what it is though. They now need to move their sights elsewhere. And one can only hope that when they do sign a left-back, it is someone in their prime rather than another 'project' addition.