Former Celtic hero Frank McAvennie has encouraged Neil Lennon and his recruitment team to try to get a deal for PSG left-back Mitchel Bakker completed in what would be something of a coup for his old side.
Speaking to Football Insider, Macca was reacting to the speculation in which a loan move for Bakker was reportedly rejected by the Ligue 1 champions, according to Sky Sports.
So what has McAvennie said?
When he was asked if he thought that the Dutch youth international would be a good signing for Lennon’s side, he said:
“Celtic definitely need a left-back and I would like to have seen the boy from Paris Saint-Germain come in – Bakker.
“I heard that we want to get him on loan and that would be better because the boy would be playing for his development. I would think the boy would be playing every week if he is coming from PSG. It would be great for his development, the perfect level for him and PSG know what Celtic is all about.
“I hope they can push that and get that one done because the guy obviously has a big, big future. If we could borrow for the year that would be a fantastic signing for Celtic. He is the one that I would like.
“Let’s be honest, you do not get to PSG unless you are a great player.”
So is McAvennie correct?
Greg Taylor has done ok for Celtic since he signed from Kilmarnock last season, however, he does seem to be prone to the odd injury and he will always be compared to the incomparable Kieran Tierney, as for Boli Bolingoli, there is more chance of the gaffer pulling on the hooped jersey again than the Belgian.
Will Celtic replace Tierney properly this season?
Yes
No
Bakker is an outstanding prospect and PSG have previously sent players to Glasgow to develop, the improvement to Odsonne Edouard’s game a perfect example of what is possible, regardless of the standard of Scottish football.
The loan market is one that can offer varying results, for every Edouard, there is a Charly Musonda but it is a great way of “trying before you buy” and a way to attract players that previously would have turned their nose up at the Scottish game – once they get a taste of the Paradise atmosphere on a European night and the feeling of collecting silverware like Panini stickers, they never want to leave.