Top 2 reported Celtic targets Rodgers should avoid signing
Celtic have already begun their January transfer window with the signing of defender Marvin Compper from RB Leipzig. Brendan Rodgers’ side needed defensive reinforcements and by signing the experienced German, they have addressed a key issue in the squad. Celtic followed it up with the capture of young winger Lewis Morgan from St. Mirren.
They, however, continue to be linked with a number of other players in the winter window and the manager might look to bring in a couple more players before the transfer deadline day – a winger and a striker, if Moussa Dembele does end up leaving the club.
However, given the number of players linked with a move to the Parkhead, here we take a look at two players who the Scottish champions can avoid signing.
Franco Di Santo (Schalke)
With rumours of Dembele’s exit doing the rounds, reports of Celtic targeting a move for Schalke striker Franco Di Santo emerged last week. If the Hoops do end up signing the 28-year old, it would be a hugely underwhelming transfer.
In 68 appearances for Schalke across all competitions, Di Santo has managed just 11 goals and has just 21 strikes in over 100 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke and former club Werder Bremen combined. While the competition may be more than the Scottish league, that record isn’t really something to write home about.
The Argentine has reached double figures for goals in all competitions in a single season on just one occasion throughout his career – once again, hardly remarkable. Given the number of goals that Dembele has churned out over the past year for the Scottish champions, bringing in Di Santo as his replacement would be a major downgrade.
Jack Rodwell (Sunderland)
As per reports from the Sunderland Echo, the Bhoys are monitoring the situation of the English midfielder, who is keen on leaving the Wearsiders this month. But it wouldn’t be the wisest idea for Rodgers to make a move for Rodwell.
The 26-year old’s career at the Stadium of Light has been hampered by constant injuries since his move from Manchester City back in 2014. In the ongoing campaign, the former Everton man has made just three senior appearances for the club across all competitions, having spent most of the time with the reserves.
A midfielder, who is known for his notorious injury record, has failed to live up to the initial expectations but earns close to £70,000-a-week. He is hardly what Celtic need right now. They clearly have better options at their disposal in the form of Stuart Armstrong and Callum McGregor and with Olivier Ntcham also flourishing, Celtic would be better off without signing Rodwell.