Former Celtic loanee completes MLS transfer move as Parkhead return dream officially nipped in the bud
Defender made it clear he was open to a Hoops return
Former Celtic left back Marcelo Saracchi has completed his transfer from Argentinian giants Boca Juniors to MLS outfit Houston Dynamo - officially putting an end to any Parkhead return hopes.
The 28-year old Uruguayan was farmed out by Boca last season to Celtic Park - where he helped the club secure the domestic double. Signed as a backup to reliable full back Kieran Tierney, Saracchi proved to be a more than capable replacement, making 27 appearances over his nine months in Glasgow. He’s now completed his move stateside for a reported fee of £950k.
Despite going back to his parent club at the end of the season, Boca made it clear that Saracchi wasn’t part of their future plans. After this, the defender had been linked with a move back to Celtic Park, however talks collapsed in July. In another twist of events, Saracchi then claimed during his farewell to the club via social media that he was ‘gutted’ he couldn’t return to Glasgow and that he tried ‘everything’ to make it happen.
Saracchi completes MLS switch
Boca Juniors confirmed the Uruguayan’s MLS departure via the club website. A statement read: “Club Atletico Boca Juniors reports that Marcelo Saracchi has been permanently transferred to Houston Dynamo of MLS. Saracchi arrived at Boca Juniors in the second half of 2023 from Levante in Spain.
“The defender played a total of 52 matches and scored 4 goals for the Xeneize. Last season he was loaned to Celtic in Scotland, where he won two titles. With Saracchi's departure, Boca Juniors ends the Uruguayan defender's time at the club and frees up a foreign player spot. The institution wishes Marcelo Saracchi much success in this new destination.”
Having lost out on Saracchi, Celtic are now looking elsewhere for left back reinforcements. Hoops hero Greg Taylor has also been linked with a club after a frustrating spell with Greek side AEK Athens, while Dundee United left back Will Ferry is also on their radar.
Fan favourite ‘gutted’ over collapsed talks
After his heroics last season, Saracchi also became a popular figure among the Celtic support. Last month, in his emotional farewell message to the fans via Instagram, he said: "Dear Celtic fans. I'm writing this to say goodbye. We had an intense, beautiful year together where we achieved so many of our goals.
"My agent and I did absolutely everything within our power to make a return to Glasgow happen. I'm truly gutted that I won't be able to continue at the club at this stage of my career. However, I know our paths will cross again in the future. I wish you all nothing but the best for what's ahead. Thank you for everything."