Celtic 'weighing up' permanent move for loanee star as key factor deal will depend on emerges
Celtic have been linked with a permanent transfer move for a loan star
Celtic look set to be engaged in one of the tightest Scottish Premiership title races in recent memory as the Hoops aim to chase down leaders Hearts in a three-way battle with Old Firm rivals Rangers.
Martin O’Neill’s side are also through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory at Ibrox on Sunday which proceeded shocking events as fans of both sides entered the field of play at the final whistle.
Summer transfer planning is beginning behind the scenes at Celtic and a potential permanent move has been discussed for Uruguayan full-back Marcelo Saracchi, who joined from Boca Juniors until the end of the season and has earnt the praises of manager O’Neill.
Celtic plot permanent Saracchi transfer - with one key factor to consider
Reports by Football Insider state that Celtic are ‘weighing up’ a permanent move for Saracchi when his loan deal comes to an end this summer, with Boca planning to sell and the player’s personal standpoint over a move believed to be a key factor.
The 27-year-old has made 19 appearances for the Hoops this term despite enduring an injury-hit season which has seen him miss 19 more with a hamstring injury. But he has been a valuable member of the squad at Parkhead, despite struggling to get into the side since the return of O’Neill ahead of the preferred Kieran Tierney.
If the player is happy to return to Glasgow on a permanent basis to serve largely as back-up to Tierney, the club may look to seal a permanent transfer ahead of next season for the 11-cap Uruguay international.
It is important that the Hoops continue to build a strong squad across all areas of the pitch and if Saracchi is happy with the role given to him, the club might look to bring him back to Parkhead on a permanent basis – something which was endorsed by O’Neill during a recent interview reported by the Glasgow Times.
O’Neill has endorsed the idea of signing the full-back permanently
O’Neill said on the possibility of signing Saracchi permanently: "Yeah, I think they will. I think they should do," the 74-year-old said. "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."
While O’Neill is not expected to continue as Hoops manager next season, his opinion certainly holds weight at Parkhead and could no doubt impact the decision-making of the board ahead of what looks to be an important summer.