By Sean Markus Clifford
Multiple sources have today, linked the Parkhead club with a potential swoop for 19-year-old Manchester United starlet Aliou Traore. The young midfielder’s contract is due to expire in 12 months and could represent a relatively cost-effective outlay for the Hoops as he is highly regarded by those inside Old Trafford.
Formerly of Paris Saint Germain, the youngster could well continue to expand the conveyor belt of the Bhoys picking up talented youngsters from south of the border. Notable examples of Olivier Ntcham, Jeremie Frimpong and of course Moussa Dembele all being relatively inexperienced before departing their respective clubs to move to Glasgow, go to show the sheer plethora of assets that can be acquired from English clubs youth set-ups in an increasingly challenging environment for academy players to break through into the senior ranks.
Billed as a dominant carrier of the ball, as well as being able to break between the lines between midfield and offensive territory, demonstrate that Traore could be a lucrative option for the Hoops. Statistically, four goals in 14 games for the Red Devils reserves in the Premier League 2 alongside illustrating an evident physicality in games means the rumoured target could add some bite to the Celtic midfield. Currently, the likes of Ryan Christie, Olivier Ntcham and Callum McGregor; although materially capable of imposing themselves against other players, perhaps prove to be stronger in other areas. Traore could be someone who would share more similarities with captain Scott Brown which could be an intriguing option with the skipper nearing towards the end of his Celtic career.
Having to displace the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay; maybe coming up to Scotland could be the greatest option available for the Frenchman as it certainly hasn’t harmed those of his native country that have gone before him!
Is this someone new we have been linked with, or is it the same guy we were linked with last week ?