Celtic should go all out in their ambitious £6m swoop for this Belgian ace to replace Mikael Lustig

Why Celtic should signTimothy Castagne from Atalanta

According to a report in Daily Record, Scottish champions Celtic are eyeing an ambitious £6m move for Belgian international defender Timothy Castagne. The player is currently plying his trade at Atalanta in the Serie A. Brendan Rodgers’ men are stepping up their chase for a right-back in the upcoming transfer window.

As per the report, Castagne is identified as a long-term replacement for Mikael Lustig, who is yet to agree on a new deal with the club and is wanted by Swedish club AIK. Hence, the future of the latter is in uncertain territory.

The 23-year-old Belgian is contracted until the summer of 2020 with the Italian club, who are not particularly interested in selling their player. However, Celtic are adamant to change the scenario and make a swoop in a few days time. (Daily Record)

Here’s why the Hoops are right in targeting the defender and should do everything to get him soon:

Castagne’s quality and versatility could be key

Predominantly a right-back, Timothy Castagne is capable of playing either as a left-back or as a winger. He has had a pretty good season in Italy thus far, partly why Celtic are interested in signing him over the next month’s transfer window.

Talking about his attributes, the 23-year-old is good in his all-around game. He possesses pace to make forays up the pitch and recover those forward runs. The Belgian is good at tackling and in one-on-one defensive situations. He can dribble past defenders in wide areas to create space for a cross in the box.

His height (185cm) helps him to be effective in the air as well, which is an added advantage for a full-back. As mentioned above, he can play in different positions, meaning that the player is a manager’s delight. If Celtic do make a swoop for him, Rodgers can use him in various positions if required or merely cement his place at right-back, as suggested.

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All in all, Castagne seems like an ideal player for the Hoops. At £6m, the Scottish champions would get this player on a cheap in an era where transfer dealings make no sense in terms of the prices paid.

Rodgers’ men are in good shape but they will have the Europa League to worry about from February. Hence, they should get a replacement for Lustig not just because he can leave in the summer, but also because the Swede has been a weak link in the team.