Celtic are closing in on the signing of left-back Marcelo Saracchi, with reports from Argentina suggesting a deal could be finalised in the coming hours.
Journalist Augusto Cesar claims that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with the Uruguayan set to join on loan with an option to buy. While the final fee is still to be confirmed, it’s understood Celtic could secure the deal as early as prior to Tuesday night’s Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty.
Saracchi, 27, won’t be eligible for that match, and he’s unlikely to feature at the weekend either, with Kieran Tierney expected to start in the first derby of the season. Still, the addition of the former RB Leipzig and Galatasaray defender will bolster Brendan Rodgers’ options in a position that has been crying out for cover and depth.
En las próximas horas podrían quedar cerradas las salidas de Marcelo Saracchi al Celtic de Escocia a préstamo y la de Vicente Taborda al Panathinaikos de Grecia en venta definitiva manteniendo un porcentaje de su ficha. La salida del uruguayo le daría un cupo a Boca para…
— Augusto Cesar (@Augustocesar22) August 25, 2025
Interestingly, he can play further forward on the left side, too.
The first links to Saracchi emerged following Celtic’s 3-0 win over Livingston on Saturday, a match that saw Tierney rested and Japanese full-back Hayato Inamura make his competitive debut. Rodgers has been clear in his desire for reinforcements, and Saracchi’s arrival will be welcomed given his experience at the highest level.
The defender is no stranger to Celtic Park either, having featured there previously during his time at RB Leipzig in European competition. That familiarity, along with his pedigree, makes him a strong candidate to push Tierney and provide much-needed rotation over the course of a demanding season.
While the deal isn’t yet signed, the noises from South America suggest it’s only a matter of time.
If this goes through fine, but Hayato Inamura must stay.
He is far too good to go out on loan and this possible new signing would allow Celtic to rest Tierney and also play Hayato, gradually building up his appearances, thus developing our own player. Some forward thinking and planning is badly needed at our club. Some positions need 3 players in competition and left back is one.