Top 2 defenders Celtic could still look to sign after Marvin Compper’s arrival
Celtic completed their first signing of the January transfer window when they signed defender Marvin Compper from German Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
The Scottish champions had concluded the deal for the player in the month of December itself, and with the transfer window now open, Commper will become an official Celtic player. On the completion of the move, the one-time capped German international said:
“I want to add silverware to the letterhead of Celtic, this is what this club is about. I want to show the Scottish people that I am capable of playing for Celtic.
“Celtic is much more than a club, for people here it is kind of a religion and to be able to put on this jersey is an honour.”
It is no secret that the Hoops needed reinforcements at the back ahead of the second half of the campaign, with their current defensive personnel not performing all that exceptionally. Adding the 32-year old will definitely bring more experience and composure to the Celtic backline.
However, with reports of Erik Sviatchenko’s exit gaining weight with every passing day, manager Brendan Rodgers might look to dip his toe in the market for another centre-half. Here we look at two viable options that the former Liverpool boss should consider signing.
Liam Moore (Reading)
The 24-year-old centre-back has been linked with a move to the Hoops of late and despite Reading FC manager Jaap Stam insisting that the player will not be sold, a move to Scotland looks very much possible for Liam Moore.
The former England youth international has featured 26 times in all competitions this term for the Royals, scoring 3 and assisting 2 goals. A ball-playing defender with good distribution skills and strong aerial abilities, the former Leicester City man fits the requirements of Rodgers and has shown plenty of positive signs in his spell at the Madejski Stadium.
With Reading struggling at 17th position in the Championship, a move to Celtic, where he will be challenging for titles and competing in Europe could heavily appeal to Moore.
Jon Flanagan (Liverpool)
The 25-year old Englishman is surplus to requirements at Anfield and is likely to leave the club in January. And Rodgers should look to capitalise on his situation and raid his former employers for Flanagan’s services. The full-back has appeared only once for the Reds’ senior side, in the EFL Cup, and has featured four times for the reserves in the Premier League, with no goals or assists to show for.
Flanagan is someone Rodgers has seen from close quarters, having worked with him at Liverpool. Injuries have slowed down his progress considerably but he is someone with loads of talent. Given that he will be able to offer cover at both right-back and left-back positions, he could prove to be a shrewd buy for Rodgers and Celtic.