“At This Moment…” – Martin O’Neill Provides Iheanacho and Saracchi Return Update

Martin O’Neill has given a fresh update on Celtic’s efforts to bring Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi back to the club.

Both players were part of last season’s double-winning squad, but their futures are still unclear as Celtic continue their work in the transfer market.

Iheanacho is a free agent after leaving Celtic at the end of his contract, while Saracchi has returned to Boca Juniors following his loan spell in Glasgow.

Speaking to the Daily Record, O’Neill said there had been some progress in recent days and confirmed chief executive Michael Nicholson had been involved in talks.

He said: “I think there has been (progress in the last few days) – yeah. I think Michael Nicholson has spoken to Iheanacho’s agent at this minute. So that’s the conversation at this moment.

“And I think it’s the same with Saracchi. I think both of them would like to come back, given the circumstances; then it’s up to us to try and see if there are deals to be done. I would like to take them, but I think, I think there’s a bit of work to be done.”

O’Neill’s message is clear. He would like both players back, but there is still work to do before either deal can happen.

The situation with Iheanacho may depend on the other options open to him. Record Sport have reported interest from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Major League Soccer, meaning Celtic could face competition.

Saracchi’s position is a little more complicated.

His agent, Marcelo Tejera, previously told CeltsAreHere that Celtic had not made a formal offer for the left-back. He also said there had been no new contact after an earlier conversation with the club.

That is different from the picture given by O’Neill, who believes Nicholson has spoken with both players’ representatives.

It may simply be a case of informal talks taking place without a formal offer being made, but Saracchi’s camp has remained clear that no proposal has arrived.

Boca Juniors have since confirmed Saracchi is one of several players training away from the main squad, which has added more doubt around his future.

O’Neill clearly feels both players could still help Celtic, but his latest comments also show neither return is close to being completed yet.