Celtic have invited Azerbaijani youth international Bahlul Mustafazada to a summer trial with a view to signing him, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
The paper say that the 22-year-old centre-back’s deal at Azerbaijan top-flight side Gabala expires at the end of the season and the Hoops will give him the opportunity to win over the coaching staff and land a move to Glasgow.
Not much is known about the player, but according to Transfermarkt he has 41 senior appearances to his name, also winning 10 caps with the Azerbaijan U21s side.
It’s no secret that Celtic are in need of defenders this summer with Filip Benkovic heading back to parent club Leicester City and Dedryck Boyata on the brink of an exit.
Mustafazada has clearly impressed enough during the initial scouting process to make someone at Celtic think he could be a potential replacement.
Azerbaijan is not a market that the Hoops have ever used previously so it’ll be interesting to see how the trial works out.
If he signs, the country could serve as a viable hunting ground for young talent in the future.
What positions do you think need strengthened at Celtic this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below…