Celtic star set to centre in foreign transfer conundrum amid rumours as 'foreign quota' sparks two outcomes
The bizarre chain of events also involves former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
Celtic defender Marcelo Saracchi is hindering his parent club Boca Juniors from signing fellow Uruguayan international Nahitan Nandez through the league’s foreign player quota - but could help the process if he makes his Hoops move permanent.
Nandez is currently plying his trade at Brendan Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League and has been linked with a move back to Boca, where he was a fan favourite during his two year spell as a youngster. Now aged 30, manager Juan Riquelme is looking to get Nandez back, but has a few obstacles in his path.
The Argentinian top flight has a quota of six foreign player for each team. For Boca, this is currently taken up my former Manchester United stars Edinson Cavani and Ander Herrera, as well as Carlos Palacios, Ángel Romero, Adam Bareiro and Williams Alarcon. If Uruguayan Saracchi was to return in the summer as planned, there would be no space for Nandez in the squad.
Celtic transfer conundrum sparks two potential outcomes
According to Bolavip, Al-Qadsiah are demanding $8m for Nandez’ release clause which Riquelme may be tempted to trigger, however as he’s only contracted until the summer of 2027, another option would be to hold off at the moment, then try and sign him on a pre-contract agreement around New Year.
If they were to sign Nandez now, they could also loan him out, similar to what that they’ve done with Saracchi. This would mean they can take the Celtic defender back without breaching any quota regulations. Alternatively they could take Nandez back fully, increasing the Hoops’ chances of signing Saracchi permanently.
The 28-year old has been in good form at Parkhead despite often being second choice to Kieran Tierney. Both have had unfortunate injury records this season, meaning manager Martin O’Neill has had to manage their minutes. During this season, Saracchi managed to get himself back in Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay National Team squad as he now eyes up a World Cup place.
O’Neill on potential permanent Saracchi signing
The veteran boss looks like he’ll be leaving in the summer, but he still thinks the club should take a chance on signing Saracchi permanently. When asked in March if he thinks the club should pursue Saracchi, he responded: “Yeah, I think they will. I think they should do. If you're asking me, I think Tierney's playing brilliantly for us at this moment. Brilliantly.
“Back to the Kieran Tierney that Arsenal ended up buying. So he's doing really well. He’s back to his very best. But Saracchi scored the goal for us. He's a strange wee character. He hasn't a clue what I'm saying to him. Not a clue! I mean, I could be saying anything to him, and he would still say yes to it. I think the club should be looking at something like that."
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