In a transfer rumour that may have gone under the radar for some Celtic fans with the news that David Turnbull could be set to sign – again – The Daily Record’s report that Rodrigo Riquelme remains a target is sure to be music to their ears.
Riquelme of Atletico Madrid is a genuine, bona fide wonderkid and at Vital Celtic we have been keeping an eye on his contract impasse with the Spanish giants as he looks for reassurances of first team football if he is to extend his current deal, which has just a year left to run.
This would genuinely be the signing of the summer if the recruitment team can fight off the likes of Ajax and get a deal over the line, if you want an indication of the attacking midfielder’s capabilities, check out his performance against Rangers in the UEFA Youth League last season where he absolutely roasted the much heralded Nathan Patterson on his way to four assists.
James Forrest has had a comfortable time in the starting XI for a few years but the arrival of Riquelme would put his place in serious jeopardy with the 20-year old – who has one La Liga appearance to his name – capable of playing anywhere in the forward line but does his best work in one-v-one situations out wide.
What signing would excite you more?
Turnbull
Riquelme
Turnbull’s arrival may be the deal that gets all the headlines but if Riquelme can be brought to Parkhead it would be a bigger coup than when Moussa Dembele chose to head north rather than continuing his development in England.
We all know what Turnbull can do but if you ask anyone of a blue persuasion, it is the young Spaniard that would scare them the most, and I for one will be keeping everything crossed that his £26million release clause is waived by Diego Simeone’s side in a move that would send shockwaves around the continent.