Sport Nation 2Celtic are poised to intensify their efforts to sign Mateusz Bogusz from Los Angeles FC, with negotiations expected to resume next week. The Scottish champions have shown a strong interest in the Polish midfielder, viewing him as a key addition to their squad under manager Brendan Rodgers.
The pursuit of Bogusz first came to light earlier this month when reports suggested that Rodgers was keen to bolster his attacking midfield options. Alongside Bogusz, Celtic have also been linked with Augsburg’s Arne Engels, who is seen as a potential like-for-like replacement for Matt O’Riley.
O’Riley Set for Brighton Move
The need to secure new midfield talent has been accelerated by the imminent departure of Matt O’Riley. The midfielder is set to join Brighton, having traveled to England for a medical over the weekend. The Seagulls agreed on a transfer fee with Celtic late on Friday night, paving the way for O’Riley’s move to the Premier League. His exit leaves a significant gap in Celtic’s midfield, which Rodgers is eager to fill with high-quality replacements like Bogusz.
Negotiations to Resume After Leagues Cup Final
Celtic are expected to open formal discussions with LAFC regarding Bogusz’s transfer on Monday. The timing is strategic, as LAFC are currently focused on the Leagues Cup Final, scheduled for Sunday night. Bogusz has been a key player for the MLS side, and Celtic will wait until after the final to make their move.
Reports indicate that Celtic have prepared an initial bid of £8 million for the 22-year-old, though it remains uncertain whether this offer will meet LAFC’s valuation. Earlier reports suggested that the MLS club may be seeking a higher fee, reflecting Bogusz’s value to their squad and his impressive performances this season.
Bogusz’s Role at Celtic
Despite being primarily recognized as a midfielder, Bogusz has been utilized in more attacking roles at LAFC, often playing on the right flank or even as a centre-forward. His versatility is a major asset, making him a valuable target for Rodgers, who is likely to deploy him in various positions across the front line.
Bogusz’s creativity and goal-scoring ability have caught the attention of the Celtic coaching staff. According to FotMob, he has averaged 2.26 chances created per 90 minutes in the league this season, more than any other player in LAFC’s squad. His contribution of 17 goals further highlights his potential impact at Celtic.
Why Celtic Want Bogusz
Brendan Rodgers sees Bogusz as a player who can bring dynamism and flair to Celtic’s attacking play. His ability to create opportunities and finish chances makes him a desirable addition to the squad, especially as the team looks to reinforce its dominance in the Scottish Premiership and make a mark in European competitions.
With O’Riley on his way out, the need for a creative presence in midfield becomes even more pressing. Bogusz’s ability to adapt to different roles and his proven track record in a competitive league like MLS makes him a suitable candidate to fill that void. Rodgers is keen to have a squad with depth and flexibility, and Bogusz fits that profile perfectly.
Competing Interests
Celtic’s pursuit of Bogusz comes amidst interest from other clubs. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and there may be competition for his signature. However, Celtic’s stature as a club regularly competing in European competitions could give them an edge in securing Bogusz’s services.
Potential Impact on Celtic’s Season
Securing Bogusz could prove to be a pivotal move for Celtic as they aim to maintain their domestic success and improve their performances on the European stage. His signing would not only address the immediate need created by O’Riley’s departure but also add depth and quality to the squad, allowing Rodgers more tactical flexibility.
Celtic’s strategy to focus on young, talented players with potential for growth has been evident in their recent transfer activities. Bogusz fits this strategy, bringing with him a blend of youthful energy and the experience of playing in a competitive league. His ability to make an immediate impact, combined with his potential for development, makes him an ideal target for the club.
What’s Next?
As Celtic prepare to engage in formal negotiations with LAFC next week, the focus will be on reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties. The outcome of these talks will likely hinge on the valuation of Bogusz and the willingness of LAFC to part with one of their standout players.
If Celtic can successfully negotiate a deal, Bogusz could be unveiled as a Celtic player soon, adding to the excitement of the fans and bolstering the team’s prospects for the season. His arrival would be a statement of intent from Celtic, demonstrating their ambition to not only dominate domestically but also to compete with Europe’s elite.
Conclusion
Celtic’s pursuit of Mateusz Bogusz reflects their ambition to continue building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. With Brendan Rodgers at the helm, the club is keen to attract talented players who can adapt to different roles and make a significant impact. Bogusz, with his creativity, goal-scoring ability, and versatility, appears to be the perfect fit for Celtic’s plans.
As negotiations are set to resume next week, Celtic fans will be eagerly awaiting news of Bogusz’s potential arrival. His signing would not only enhance the team’s attacking options but also signal Celtic’s commitment to maintaining their dominance in Scottish football while striving for greater success on the European stage.
Amina Umar
Sport nation
