Celtic are interested in a swoop for FC Famalicão defender Riccieli, as reported by Celtic Now and Forever.
The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for 2021/22 as transfer rumours swirl
As Celtic move towards 2021/22, they will be hoping to hit the ground running as they bid to reclaim to Premiership title at the first attempt.
Although Ange Postecoglou hasn’t dipped hit toes into the transfer market as of yet, the Celts have been heavily linked with moves for Charlie Wyke and Mat Ryan respectively [Football Insider].
However, it seems that the Hoops could be interested in an alternative transfer target as their rebuild begins in earnest.
The Latest: Celtic ‘make contact’ with Riccieli’s agency over potential deal
The Hoops are said to have ‘made contact’ with Riccieli’s agency D20 Sports about bringing the centre-back to Glasgow, as relayed by email to Celtic Now and Forever.
Many other clubs are rumoured to be interested in the 22-year-old [Celtic Now and Forever], who has a market value of £1.35m according to Transfermarkt.
Kristoffer Ajer looks set to leave Parkhead this summer amid attention from Newcastle United [Glasgow Times], so the Celts must act quickly in order to secure his prospective replacement.
The Verdict: Riccieli would be a good addition to the Parkhead ranks this summer.
Someone of Riccieli’s ilk would be an ideal addition to the Celtic fold this window. Plying his trade in Liga NOS, he made 26 appearances and contributed one goal to his team in 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].
Strong in the air (2.1 headers won per game last season) and with a match average of 1.6 interceptions matching Celtic’s best performers in that regard, he could be seen as an agreeable fit for the Hoops due to his sell-on value and scope to develop as a player further down the line.
He is also capable of filling in at right-back, potentially providing some depth in what has been a problem position in recent years for the Scottish giants [FotMob].
With Champions League qualifying set to begin for Celtic next month, the Hoops should be doing all they can to push the deal over the line quickly.
In other news, Celtic are in talks to bring a 31-goal striker to Glasgow this summer.