Former Celtic star denied return opportunity despite doing 'everything' in his power to be given second chance
Defender has now officially bid an emotional farewell to the club
Celtic’s transfer talks with left back Marcelo Saracchi have collapsed - despite last season’s loan hero claiming he’s done ‘everything’ in his power to get a move over the line.
The 28-year old returned to parent club Boca Juniors earlier this summer, but was almost immediately told he was surplus to requirements for the Argentine giants. In turn, both Saracchi and Celtic boss Martin O’Neill were keen to negotiate a deal, however these talks have now fallen through. The news surfaces only hours after another one of last season’s heroes Kelechi Iheanacho signed for Bursaspor despite him also targeting a Hoops return.
Despite struggling with injuries at times last season, Saracchi established himself as fan favourite, making 27 appearances during the domestic double-winning campaign and proving to be a more than capable backup for Kieran Tierney. Now that talks have collapsed, the Celtic board are once again under scrutiny after not one, but two individuals have been denied a transfer despite clearly outlining they’d be open to a move. Minutes from an AGM revealed earlier in the week quoted CEO Michael Nicholson saying the club are finding it hard ‘competing’ with English sides in terms of recruitment.
Saracchi bids emotional Celtic farewell as talks collapse
The Uruguayan took to Instagram to announce he won’t be coming back during the summer transfer window. 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."
Saracchi’s deal falling through means Celtic have still only made one signing during the summer window - Colombian striker Camilo Duran, who signed for £6m from Qarabag. With just over a fortnight until their domestic season gets under away at home to Dundee, as well as a Champions League play off to contend with shortly after, a touch of anxiety is beginning to creep in among supporters that the board could make the same mistakes they’ve done in the past.
Nicholson on Celtic struggling to compete
Despite their domestic success last season, Celtic’s defeat to Kazakhstan minnows Kairat Almaty in the Champions League qualifiers almost instantly fans against the board after they recruitment failings in the transfer window. After the collapsed deals of Saracchi and Iheanacho, lightning could be about to striker twice.
Minutes from a recent AGM recorded Nicholson saying Celtic have experienced “difficulty in dealing with agents, competing with the Premier League and even the Championship". He also claimed the club’s long-term strategy is to "to be the best club in Scotland, to be financially sound, and to compete in Europe".
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