Celtic centre-back and USMNT standout Cameron Carter-Vickers has reportedly attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen, though no formal offer has been made at this stage.
The Bundesliga title challengers are exploring defensive reinforcements, and Carter-Vickers’ consistency at Celtic Park have placed him firmly on their radar.
Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, are aiming to strengthen their backline as they chase Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race.
However, Celtic are in no rush to sell and have made it clear they value Carter-Vickers highly.
Any deal for the defender in the January window would require a bid of at least £20 million, says Micheal Stewart when appearing on the Scottish Football Social Club with Alan Hutton.
The former Rangers defender believes Celtic will only consider selling if the offer is substantial: “You don’t want to lose him. Not at this time, unless it’s something ridiculous. He is the stand-in captain, so it shows you how big a character he is. But look, money talks at the end of the day. But Celtic are renowned for when a player gets to a certain level they move him on.”
Michael Stewart added: “Celtic are in such a good financial position that you start talking for their main assets £20-25million. Cameron Carter-Vickers is at a great age, he has developed into a fantastic defender and it would probably take the likes of Bayer Leverkusen or a big club on the continent to prise him away from Celtic.”
Despite the speculation, Carter-Vickers remains focused on Celtic.
The 25-year-old has played a key role in the Hoops’ successful start to the season, which already includes lifting the Premier Sports Cup. With two more trophies still in sight, Carter-Vickers’ immediate goals lie in continuing Celtic’s domestic dominance and performing in Europe.
The defender might eye a return to the English Premier League in the future, having previously played in the division with Tottenham Hotspur.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers faces a balancing act. While Carter-Vickers is a vital part of the squad, the club’s history of selling players for significant profit cannot be ignored. Celtic are in a strong financial position, which allows them to negotiate from a position of strength, but a January exit doesn’t look likely.
It’s not going to happen in January, along with any other key players currently within our squad at present?
If we weren’t to make the knockout phase of the CL, it would be a major disappointment, and changes everything at the back end of the window?
Until then, our priorities are going to remain upon the CL, which will dictate our transfer window also?
Only 3 changes can be made within our current CL squad in January.
So Palma and rocki are the most likely to be replaced within it, to allow for the wide option and possibly midfield player required?
Could still add Tierney, as a replacement for monty within the squad, as monty will possibly be heading out somewhere during January, along with Holm imo?
So within our squad at present, there is no room for any like for like players, especially when strengthening is still required?
Any other rumours outside a very simple plan, potentially in operation, can be classed as nonsense imo?