Celtic FC opinion: Hoops should make a move for Liam Lindsay

The Daily Star has reported that Aston Villa, Celtic and Leeds United are all in the race for Barnsley star Liam Lindsay. The 23-year-old has helped the Oakwell side into an automatic promotion spot, although there is still a lot of work to be done with the club.

With just eight games left to play, Barnsley do have a chance of automatic promotion to the Championship, but their recent run of form has not been the best. They have only managed to win two out of their last five games and it leaves the Tykes five points off leaders Luton Town.

Despite that, Liam Lindsay has been among their best performers this season, with the 23-year-old making 35 appearances in the League One. He has missed only three games so far, showing impressive consistency for a player of his age.

That’s something Celtic need more than anything, especially given their current situation. While they did lose Brendan Rodgers to Leicester City (Telegraph), Celtic have adjusted remarkably well.

They’ve maintained the top spot with a ten-point lead over Rangers, but that doesn’t mean that their team is perfect.

Their centre-backs are an absolute mess and while Celtic have Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic, Kristoffer Ajer, Jack Hendry and Marvin Compper, they still need reinforcements.

Boyata is looking for a move away (Scottish Sun), both Ajer and Hendry have struggled, while Compper is 33 years old and is not getting any younger.

They did add Filip Benkovic, but he’s a loanee who will return to Leicester City at the end of this season. It’s exactly why a move for Liam Lindsay makes perfect sense as the 23-year-old can just slot straight into the team.

While he won’t be a like-to-like replacement for Boyata, Lindsay is still a lot like the 28-year-old centre-back.

A left-footed centre-back, the 23-year-old has flourished this season and more importantly, done exceptionally well with the ball at his feet. His cool and composed nature makes him an outlet when moving forward, and he is always available for a pass.

While that does make Lindsay a great move for Celtic, it’s his aggression and positional sense that the Hoops need more. An excellent defender, the youngster knows exactly when to make a move.

That combined with his physicality, athleticism and 6’2” frame, makes him very hard to get past defensively.

Read more Celtic news, click here: Celtic latest news

Conclusion

Celtic are cruising to a domestic treble this season, but they will need reinforcements next season if they are to ensure their dominance. Losing Dedryck Boyata will hurt the club but adding Liam Lindsay will help them move forward. At the age of 23, Lindsay will be a long-term solution and one that Celtic have to make.