Sport Nation 2Celtic is intensifying their efforts to secure FC Lausanne’s midfielder, Alyvn Sanches, amid speculation over an imminent bid. Brendan Rodgers, the Hoops’ manager, views Sanches as a vital addition to his squad, especially with the possible departure of Matt O’Riley to Brighton. The 21-year-old Swiss U21 international, who has already accumulated over 100 senior appearances, is reportedly keen on a move to Glasgow. The club is preparing to offer £3 million for the left-footed player, a million less than Lausanne’s initial valuation.
Rodgers is actively seeking to reinforce his midfield as he anticipates the departure of O’Riley, a key player for Celtic. O’Riley’s potential transfer to Brighton is nearing completion, prompting Celtic to accelerate their pursuit of Sanches. The midfielder’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, which has only heightened Celtic’s interest. If the transfer is successful, Sanches will be expected to fill the void left by O’Riley and contribute significantly to the team’s efforts in the upcoming season.
The transfer market has been a busy period for Celtic, with Rodgers determined to build a squad capable of competing both domestically and in European competitions. The club’s focus on Sanches is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the team’s midfield, a position that has seen several targets linked with moves to Celtic Park. Sanches’ experience at the senior level, despite his young age, makes him an attractive prospect for the Scottish champions.
Celtic is also monitoring Dundee’s captain, Luke McCowan, as they look to bolster their midfield options further. McCowan, who has been a standout performer for Dundee, has attracted interest from several Premiership clubs, including Hibernian, who have already had two bids rejected. Dundee is reportedly holding out for a £1 million fee for their prized asset, a price that could tempt Celtic into making an offer. McCowan’s versatility and leadership qualities make him a valuable target as Rodgers seeks to add depth to his squad.
In addition to Sanches and McCowan, Celtic has been linked with LAFC’s Mateusz Bogusz. The Polish midfielder, who previously played for Leeds United, is reportedly on Celtic’s radar as they continue to explore options to reinforce their squad before the transfer window closes. Negotiations with the MLS side are ongoing, with Celtic hoping to secure a deal before the August 30 deadline.
As Rodgers focuses on bringing in new talent, there are also likely to be several departures from Celtic Park. Star forward Kyogo Furuhashi has been linked with a shock move to Premier League champions Manchester City. While this transfer seems less likely, it highlights the level of interest in Celtic’s top players. Meanwhile, fringe players are expected to leave, including center-back Gustav Lagerbielke and young goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi. Lagerbielke has fallen out of favor, and Oluwayemi is set to join Dunfermline on a season-long loan.
Celtic’s transfer activity reflects Rodgers’ commitment to assembling a squad capable of defending their Premiership title and making an impact in Europe. The potential addition of Sanches, combined with ongoing interest in other targets like McCowan and Bogusz, shows the club’s ambition to maintain a competitive edge. Rodgers is keen to ensure that his team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead, with a balanced mix of youth and experience.
The transfer market remains open until the end of August, and Celtic is expected to be active right up until the deadline. Fans will be eager to see how the squad shapes up, particularly with key players like O’Riley potentially moving on. The outcome of these transfer negotiations will be crucial in determining Celtic’s prospects for the new season.
As Celtic prepares for the final days of the transfer window, the focus will be on securing the right players to fit Rodgers’ vision for the team. The addition of Sanches would be a significant coup, providing the team with a dynamic and talented midfielder. However, with interest in other players like McCowan and Bogusz, Celtic’s transfer dealings are far from over.
Rodgers’ strategy appears to be focused on ensuring that the team is not only strong in the short term but also has the potential to develop over the coming seasons. The mix of young talents like Sanches and experienced players in key positions could give Celtic the balance needed to compete on multiple fronts.
In conclusion, Celtic’s pursuit of Alyvn Sanches signals their intent to strengthen their midfield in preparation for the challenges of the new season. The potential departures of key players like Matt O’Riley are driving the club’s transfer activity, with Rodgers keen to ensure that his squad is ready for the rigors of both domestic and European competition. With several targets still in play, the next few weeks will be crucial for Celtic as they look to finalize their squad before the transfer window closes.
Sport nation
Amina Umar