As reported in an exclusive by the Scottish Sun, Celtic are ready to bring Darlington Nagbe to Celtic Park from Portland Timbers this January.
What’s the story?
Reports that Celtic wanted the United States international first surfaced last month after the midfielder took in Celtic vs. Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Now that speculation has become more substantial with the latest report from the Scottish Sun saying that Celtic have made progress in the negotiations to bring him to Scotland.
The report also says that it will take Celtic up to £3m to get the deal done, something they’re willing to do because signing a quality, proven, first team midfielder is one of Brendan Rodgers’ January priorities.
Midfield boost
Celtic’s midfield has been exceptional so far this season, led by a Scott Brown renaissance. The Celtic captain is in some of the best form his career in a new defensive midfield role that has unlocked his full potential.
Others have excelled too with Stuart Armstrong doing the majority of the hard work in recent weeks, running tirelessly to the benefit of the entire team in a box-to-box role.
Still, there’s not much depth beyond that and Darlington Nagbe not only offers quality but versatility.
Nagbe has been one of the most effective midfielders in America over the last few years of Major League Soccer. This was highlighted when he was selected for the MLS All-Stars that faced Arsenal in a summer encounter earlier this year.
With over 200 appearances in US football and ten caps for the national team, he’s well placed to push on to new heights in his career and at 26 years old, has plenty of years ahead to offer Celtic.
He can play in almost every midfield position, whether alongside Brown and Armstrong, or further forward through the middle and on either flank.
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