Wolves Or Celtic – Who Should Barry Douglas Join This Summer?
Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to have joined the race to sign Scottish left-back Barry Douglas. It had appeared that Celtic had agreed a deal for the 27-year-old with current side Konyaspor, though a £1million fee is not out of Wolves’ reach either and it appears Douglas’ time in Turkey is up.
Celtic are certainly a big draw at the moment with the promise of Champions League football on the table as part of any deal, though Wolves’ squad rebuild has looked impressive and so the possibility of Premier League football in a year’s time could tempt most people.
Wolves managed most of last season without a proper left-back in the first team squad, with right-back Matt Doherty filling in for the most part. That lack of balance looks unacceptable to the new boss and rightly so.
Douglas has been somewhat of an enigma in the football world having played for Dundee United, Lech Poznan of Poland and now Konyaspor of Turkey in what has at least been an entertaining and ambitious career path to follow.
Having sprung to prominence with Dundee United, his move to Poznan four years ago was a big surprise and he managed to last for over two years, with the club winning a league title among other things. He has also played in Champions League qualifying matches and in the Europa League too, and would arrive in the UK as a battle-hardened player of not inconsiderable experience.
If he chooses Wolves above Celtic, Douglas would become the West Midlands club’s fourth defensive signing of the transfer window already, following Ryan Bennett, Roderick Miranda, and Phil Ofosu-Ayeh. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is wasting no time in reshaping his squad before a tilt at the Championship promotion places next term and this is somethine Douglas may be interested in.
Douglas’ profile is that of a player with ambition and no fear. Going to Celtic and winning most games easily may not be in the full-back’s true interest whereas a competitive season in England could just be what he needs. It also represents something he has hasn’t done yet and that seems to be another thing which would interest him.
One playing spell in Scotland, one in Poland and one in Turkey could be followed by a new adventure in England and at 27, that looks more appealing than going back to his home town of Glasgow already. For his overall career prospects, Wolves look to be the best call.