Why Celtic’s Nir would be a good catch for Dyche and Burnley
According to The Scottish Sun (h/t Evening Times), Burnley boss Sean Dyche is keen to rope in Celtic defensive midfielder Nir Bitton.
Dyche seems keen on capturing the versatile Israeli, who would be available for a cheap price with his contract at Parkhead ending next summer. (h/t Evening Times)
Nir Bitton is considered a vital member of the Celtic squad by boss Neil Lennon, who for tactical reasons switches him to the centre-back spot too.
Burnley manager Dyche has been impressed by the 28-year old’s displays for his club and country since his arrival to the Scottish side from Israeli outfit FC Ashdod in 2013.
With the January transfer window around the corner, Dyche and Burnley are ready to spend up to £1million for the Celtic man to add more strength to their squad.
Burnley are currently 10th in the league standings, and Dyche needs more depth in their squad with more than half the season still to go.
Would it be worth a deal if Dyche and his associates could complete a swoop for the experienced Nir Bitton when the transfer window opens in January?
More depth
At the moment, Burnley have as many as five midfielders in their ranks. Of them, Chelsea loanee Danny Drinkwater is out injured.
Dyche, who prefers a 4-4-2 formation, has often used experienced campaigners Jack Cork and Ashley Westwood in the centre of the midfield. Jeff Hendrick plays on the right, while youngster Dwight McNeil operates in the left.
For the Clarets, defensive midfielders Cork and Westwood have done a major share of the work this season.
Cork has featured in ten games while Westwood has played all the 12 matches for the Clarets this term, according to WhoScored.
The physical demands of the English league will take a toll on its players, and Nir’s arrival would offer more options to choose for Dyche, in a team which relies on its midfielders.
Plenty of experience
With 197 appearances across all competitions for Celtic, Nir has plenty of experience under his belt.
The Israeli has been a key member for the Celts in the last six years and has 12 goals and 14 assists to his name. However, the Burnley midfielders have not been at their creative best, with Ashley topping the list with his two assists.
With half of the season still left and their midfielders unable to find the key passes, Burnley could possibly turn to the experienced Nir for more options.
Backup
Nir is not a conventional midfielder. He is a flexible footballer who can also play at the back as a central defender. After making his move to Celtic, Nir has started 25 games as a centre-back for the Scottish champions.
His experience at the back would be of immense use to Dyche and his Burnley side in the wake of any injuries or suspensions.
Verdict
Still a crucial player for the Scottish side, Nir is a coach’s favourite. Celtic coach Neil Lennon described him as a superb player and spoke about offering the midfielder a new contract once his current one expires, as claimed by the Scottish Sun.
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This implies Nir’s significance in a squad, and Dyche wouldn’t be wrong to spill some money for the Israelian who has 25 caps for his country.