Celtic on transfer red alert as long-term target deploys ex-Hoops star tactics in attempt to force exit
The former Leeds United attacker has been training back in his homeland rather than with his club in Mexico
Celtic target Mateusz Bogusz has put the Scottish champions on red alert after failing to report back for a pre-season training camp in Mexico following a return to his home in Poland.
The Hoops have been linked twice with the playmaker in recent windows, including two years ago and last winter. But the former LAFC star opted for a move to Cruz Azul in a deal worth £8 million last year after reportedly being offered a staggering £125,000-a-week.
However, the former Leeds United man has struggled to settle into life in Central America and quickly lost his place in the starting line-up under new Argentine head coach Nicolas Larcamon, having scored just three times in 36 appearances.
Cruz Azul returned for pre-season training last week, but Bogusz failed to show up and subsequent pictures were uploaded on social media of him taking part in a training session back in his homeland instead.
Mateusz Bogusz adopting similar method to former Celtic star in bid to force exit
Club officials have yet to comment publicly on his no-show after he headed back to Europe without their authorisation, but it is widely expected that Bogusz will receive a fine and speculation is now growing that he may be shipped out on loan this month.
It’s claimed by Eurosport that Bogusz wants to “force his current employer to leave”, with local journalists pointing to the case of ex-Hoops striker Giorgos Giakoumakis who adopted a similar method to apply pressure on Cruz Azul’s management to force a temporary move to PAOK Salonika through earlier this year.
And that could potentially open the door to Celtic to make their move for a player whose market value has dropped considerably since making his big money transfer.
It’s not the first time Bogusz has gone AWOL, with the 24-year-old previously leaving a training camp for three days without consent. It’s believed he is unhappy with the club’s failure to fulfil one of the conditions of his transfer, which was that he would start almost every match.
With only a year left to run on his contract, Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy might be tempted to swoop quickly for a player he knows from his time in the MLS.
He’s just one of a number of names being linked with the Parkhead club at the beginning of the transfer window. Celtic have already completed the signing of AFC Bournemouth defender Julian Araujo on loan until the end of the season.