In For Free – Three Free Agents Who Celtic Can Look To Sign
The transfer window of the summer may have been done and dusted but that doesn’t mean clubs cannot sign new players though. The provision to sign players with no contract i.e., the free agents, still exists for the clubs and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see teams taking a dip into the free agent pool to address an issue or two within their squads.
Scottish champions Celtic have had a strong start to the new season, having made it through to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and continuing their good form in the Scottish Premiership as well. Manager Brendan Rodgers has done some good business once again, but with the prospect of Champions League football looming, he might look to delve into the free transfer market and get a player or two. And here we give you three players, available on a Bosman transfer, that they could greatly benefit from signing.
Chico Flores
The 30-year old is out of contract, after being released by Qatar based club Lekhwiya, where he was playing for the past three years, helping the club to the Qatari top-flight last season.
Chico Flores is someone who has good experience in English football, having spent two years with Swansea City between 2012-2014. The Spaniard was a part of the Swans side that lifted the League Cup in 2013, and made over 50 Premier League appearances for the Welsh outfit.
Having lost the likes of Dedryck Boyata, Erik Sviatchenko to injuries early into the season, Rodgers has had to rely on Nir Biton and young Kristoffer Ajer in the heart of the defence. Hence, adding another defender wouldn’t be the worst idea for the Parkhead outfit. Strong in the air, tenacious in his tackles, Flores will add more solidity and experience to the Hoops’ backline.
Joe Ledley
The 30-year old was allowed to leave Crystal Palace in the summer, at the end of his contract and surprisingly, he hasn’t been picked up by any clubs as of yet.
The vastly experienced Ledley may have fallen down the pecking order at Palace, but still remains a quality addition to any side. Someone who is tactically and technically strong, he is a disciplined operator who adds a combative edge to the midfield. The Wales international is well-versed with the rigours of Scottish football, having played 157 times for the Hoops between 2010 and 2014, during which he laid his hands on a Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
With captain Scott Brown not getting any younger, having someone of Ledley’s qualities who can add the experience to the middle of the park may prove valuable to the Bhoys.
Kolo Toure
The 36-year old Ivorian was a part of the team that won the domestic treble last season and finished the season unbeaten in the domestic competitions – second time he has achieved that feat, having previously done so with Arsenal.
Rodgers had revealed earlier in the summer that there was a chance of bringing the veteran back into the ranks, albeit in more of a player-coach role and the player himself sounded optimistic about his chances of a return, speaking to the media in his homeland. Since then, he has gone on to take up the Ivory Coast U23s assistant manager role but has stated that he is still waiting for an offer from Celtic.
Given his experience and know-how, and the team man that he is, bringing him back makes sense for Rodgers and his side. His knowledge of the game could help the likes of Ajer and other talented defenders coming through the ranks for the Hoops.
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