Bournemouth beating Celtic to sign this 23-year-old defensive star would be a shrewd acquisition by Howe

Bournemouth Opinion – Cherries in for Jack Stacey – Good Move?

According to a report in Scottish Sun, Bournemouth have joined Scottish champions Celtic in the race to sign Jack Stacey from Luton Town this summer.

The Hoops have already made two defensive signings while the Cherries made one impressive left-back signing by snapping up Lloyd Kelly from Bristol City.

Now, as the latter look to bolster their backline, they are looking at the possibility of signing Stacey from Luton. The 23-year-old’s contract with the Hatters expires next summer. (h/t Scottish Sun)

He made 50 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring four goals and helping Luton get promoted to the Championship. His performances have been fantastic over the past year or so.

Here’s why Bournemouth should beat Celtic for the defender:

Stacey could be Cherries’ first-choice right-back

Jack Stacey is a prodigious young player, who is predominantly a right-back but can play as a right-sided midfielder if required. In fact, during the course of 18/19 campaign, he played a game in defensive midfield as well.

In terms of his attributes, the 23-year-old possesses the pace to make runs up and down the field, can deliver good crosses (eight assists in the league last season), is defensively strong in one-on-one situations and doesn’t mind a physical battle or two.

The best thing about his development as a player is the progress made in the past 12-18 months. He can make a move to either Scotland or the Premier League and adapt well.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, could do with a quality right-back in their squad. Simon Francis is now reaching the twilight of his career while Adam Smith has been susceptible at right-back.

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Conclusion

Thus, they are right in joining the race to sign Jack Stacey and should beat Celtic for the same. From the player’s point of view, moving to Bournemouth would hand him an opportunity to work under a bright young manager in Eddie Howe.