3 long-term replacements for Scott Brown who Celtic could target including Southampton star

Three long-term Scott Brown replacements Celtic must target

Celtic skipper Scott Brown has been a fantastic servant for the club since joining from Hibernian back in 2007.

Brown, 33, has been one of the most successful captains at Celtic and has already cemented his status as one of the greatest captains in the Hoops’ long and famed history.

The former Scotland international is ageing like fine wine, with the midfielder contributing largely to Celtic’s double treble achievement last season. However, at 33, Brown is entering the twilight of his career and Brendan Rodgers should start making plans for the future.

That being said, here are three long-term replacements for Brown who Celtic can target.

Pedro Obiang (West Ham)

Pedro Obiang has fallen down the pecking order at West Ham following the flurry of summer signings under Manuel Pellegrini. Due to fresh faces arriving in every department, especially in the midfield, Obiang may have to rely on cup games for chances to prove himself to Pellegrini.

Keeping the 26-year-old’s situation in check, Celtic must make a move for the Spaniard to replace their ageing skipper. Obiang is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder with top passing abilities and an eye for the spectacular.

He can also play in a deeper role and at 26, the former Sampdoria man could be a shrewd acquisition for Celtic.

Philip Billing (Huddersfield Town)

One the most exciting players on the books of Huddersfield Town, Philip Billing could be a fantastic long-term replacement for Brown.

Billing, 22, is capable of operating as a deep-lying midfielder, breaking up the play and starting attacks. Furthermore, the Dane possesses the devastating ability to slice open the opposition midfield when in possession and is more than capable of performing in the holding midfielder role.

It would take solid money for Celtic to lure Billing from Huddersfield but he could be a good value for money.

James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

The most enticing of options for Celtic could be Southampton academy graduate James Ward-Prowse.

Ward-Prowse, 23, is a type of player who’d suit Rodgers’ style and is someone who gives it his all on the pitch. The England Under-21 international is equally good in defending as well as going forward and contributing to his team’s attacks.

Read more: Celtic’s 100-goal star surely deserves a new contract, especially with Dembele out of the club

The 23-year-old midfielder might not be the quickest but he does have a lot of energy, which would be a boon for Celtic. All in all, Ward-Prowse represents a like-to-like replacement for the combative Scott Brown.