Celtic dealt blow in bid to lure loan star back to Parkhead as ambitious Euro club consider shattering transfer record
Boca Juniors defender could return to Europe this summer - but perhaps not to Scotland
Celtic’s chances of luring Boca Juniors loanee Marcelo Saracchi back to Glasgow on a permanent basis have been dealt a blow amid reports the defender could be on his way to Turkey this summer.
The Hoops have been exploring the possibility of securing 28-year-old Uruguayan left-back on a long-term deal following his impressive loan stint last season.
Saracchi returned to his parent club in Argentina after Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph over Dunfermline Athletic last month after their initial agreement failed to include an option-to-buy clause.
It was suggested at the time that both parties were unable to reach an agreement over a fee after fresh negotiations took place. And Celtic aren’t the only club to have expressed an an interest in the player in recent weeks.
Saracchi has also been linked with a move across South America to Boca Juniors‘ rivals Racing Club. Now, according to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, newly promoted top-flight side Corum FK have added the defender to a summer transfer shortlist.
Saracchi is no stranger to Turkish football, having spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Istanbul giants Galatasaray.
Corum, who were only founded in 1997, have enjoyed a seismic rise in recent years, reaching the Turkish second tier for the first time in the club’s history back in 2022/23. They went on to secure a historic promotion to Super Lig last term.
Saracchi a ‘primary target’ for Turkish top-flight new boys
And reports claim the ambitious club are have made Saracchi a ‘primary target’ as they look to bolster their squad for what is likely to be a push for survival.
However, in order to land Saracchi’s signature, it would require Corum to shatter their current transfer record, having never spent more than £250,000 on a signing.
It’s believed club chiefs are prepared to up the ante this summer as they look to compete and establish themselves in the top tier.