Celtic signing this raiding full-back for £3m would be an outstanding move by Lennon – opinion

George Baldock

Celtic FC opinion: Hoops in for George Baldock – Good move?

According to a report in Football Scotland, treble winners Celtic have made a bid to sign Sheffield United right-back George Baldock during this transfer window.

It is suggested that the Hoops have made a £3m offer for the Blades’ defender to fill the potential vacant back line ahead of next season. The response to the offer is yet to be made, but talks could start sooner rather than later. (h/t Football Scotland)

Baldock was one of the key players in helping Chris Wilder’s men to a second-place finish in the Championship. That meant they got automatically promoted to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old’s current contract expires next summer at Bramall Lane. Hence, either Sheffield United need to offer him a new deal or sell him now rather than lose him for free 12 months later.

Here’s why Celtic should do everything to make the latter happen:

Lack of right-back options beckon for Celtic

Celtic had two right-back options till the end of last season – Mikael Lustig and Jeremy Toljan. While the former’s contract is up and expected to leave the club this summer (h/t Football Scotland), the latter was uninspiring during his loan spell from Dortmund and would return to Germany.

Hence, the Hoops have no choice but to go all out for the signature of a new right-back during this transfer window. For that reason, making a bid to swoop in for George Baldock makes a lot of sense.

The 26-year-old is predominantly a right-back, but can also operate as a wing-back, just like he did for Sheffield United up until the end of the season.

In terms of his other attributes, he possesses good pace to make runs up and down the field, is good at dribbling past defenders in wide areas, can deliver good crosses and is an astute defender in one-versus-one situations.

Conclusion

All in all, Celtic are in a position where making a move for a new right-back is of paramount importance. In Baldock, they could get a player who can serve them well for seasons to come.

Mizgan Masani

A football enthusiast, who loves to analyse the game in depth. Following various leagues and knowing about the playing styles of different managers intrigues me to the core. Other than that, I am an Electronics Engineer! Follow me @mizgans