Celtic Football Club is considering a late move for Fiorentina winger Josip Brekalo as they look to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes. After selling midfielder Matt O’Riley to Brighton for a club-record fee, Celtic has a significant budget to bring in new players, which could facilitate a loan move for the Croatian international.
Strengthening the Squad
Celtic has been active in the summer transfer market under manager Brendan Rodgers, who is in his second stint at the club. The Hoops have already made several signings, including Alex Valle, a young left-back from Barcelona, who has joined on a season-long loan to provide competition for Greg Taylor. Other notable acquisitions include Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, whose loan deals were made permanent following their impressive performances last season. Goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo have also been added to strengthen the squad.
The sale of O’Riley has provided Celtic with additional funds, which Rodgers can use to make further signings. The club’s focus has now shifted to adding more attacking options, with Brekalo emerging as a potential target.
Interest in Josip Brekalo
Josip Brekalo has been linked with Celtic as they seek to enhance their attacking options. The 25-year-old winger has previously played for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga before joining Fiorentina, where he has had a mixed spell. According to Italian media outlet Corriere Fiorentino, Celtic has expressed interest in Brekalo, although other Serie A clubs are also keen on securing his services. The report suggests that Brekalo is open to a move away from Fiorentina, with the club likely to use any funds from his departure to bring in new players.
Celtic’s interest in Brekalo is also shared by their Scottish rivals Rangers, who have been monitoring the winger’s situation. Rangers, however, have yet to make a concrete move, and Celtic could have the upper hand in securing his signature. The Hoops could benefit from the experience and versatility Brekalo would bring, as he is capable of playing on both flanks and has experience at the international level with Croatia.
Brekalo’s Impact and Potential Role
If Brekalo were to join Celtic, he would be joining a squad that already has several options in the wide areas. Players like Luis Palma, Nicolas Kuhn, Yang Hyun-jun, and Daizen Maeda have all featured prominently on the wings, with Kuhn, in particular, impressing early in the season. Veteran winger James Forrest also remains part of the squad, continuing his long association with the club.
Brekalo’s potential addition would provide Celtic with a blend of experience and quality. The Croatian international has shown his ability at various levels, including the Europa League, and would add depth to Celtic’s attacking ranks. Known for his dribbling skills and ability to deliver crosses, Brekalo could complement the existing players and offer Rodgers more tactical flexibility.
Career and Recent Form
Brekalo’s career started promisingly, but his form has been inconsistent in recent years. He had a loan spell at Croatian club Hajduk Split in January, where he managed to regain some of his form. Despite his ups and downs, Brekalo’s talent is undeniable, and at 26 years old, he still has plenty of potential. His experience with Croatia’s national team, where he has earned 35 caps and scored four goals, is a testament to his abilities.
While at Fiorentina, Brekalo has made 11 appearances in the current season but has found it challenging to cement a regular starting position. His statistics, including 0.8 shots and 0.7 dribbles per game, highlight his attacking intent, though he ranks lower in squad impact. A move to Celtic could provide him with a fresh start and the opportunity to play a more significant role in a team competing for domestic and European honors.
Celtic’s Transfer Strategy
Celtic’s pursuit of Brekalo aligns with their broader strategy to compete at the highest levels. The club is focused on building a squad capable of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title and making an impact in European competitions. With the transfer window closing soon, Celtic’s management is working hard to finalize any deals that could strengthen the squad.
The potential signing of Brekalo could prove to be a shrewd move, adding not only depth but also quality to the team’s attacking options. His versatility would allow Rodgers to adapt his tactical approach depending on the opposition, making Celtic a more unpredictable and formidable side.
Conclusion
As the transfer window nears its end, Celtic is actively exploring options to enhance their squad. Josip Brekalo has emerged as a key target, with the club’s management considering a loan move to bring him to Parkhead. His addition would provide Celtic with more attacking firepower and experience, helping the team in their quest for domestic success and European progress.
Celtic’s proactive approach in the transfer market underlines their ambition to maintain their status as one of Scotland’s top football clubs. Whether Brekalo will join the Hoops remains to be seen, but the club’s interest in him indicates their determination to build a strong, competitive team capable of achieving their goals for the season. With the transfer window set to close soon, Celtic fans will be eagerly watching to see if Brekalo or any other new faces will be joining the squad, hoping that the club can finish the transfer period on a high note.