Martin O’Neill has addressed Celtic’s desire to keep hold of both Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi.
The pair have both left Parkhead following the conclusion of last season with the Nigerian holding out hope for a new contract and the latter having has Boca Juniors exit to thrash out.
O’Neill was mightily impressed with both stars last term as the pair both helped significantly in the victory of an unexpected league and cup Double. Rumours have suggested Iheanacho has offers on the table from other clubs but we at Celts Are Here have always maintained the striker wants a Celtic stay.
Now manager O’Neill has confirmed he hopes to be able to snap up 29-year-old Iheanacho on a longer contract and sooner rather than later to ensure he gets a decent pre-season under his belt.
He said: “I’d like to do something with him. That’s the point. Of course, if we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him.
“It’s something he didn’t have last year. After about three minutes, he was injured against Sturm Graz and he then hurt himself in the League Cup Final as well.
“So that would be nice. I’m definitely pursuing that at this minute.”
Iheanacho became a bit of a cult hero at Celtic last season and a new deal must be considered a no-brainer. The former Leicester City forward knows where the goal is and has natural talent. If he can improve his fitness levels on a consistent basis, he could be a real steal again for the Scottish champions.
Saracchi, meanwhile, is another on O’Neill’s list of priorities with the left-back available for around £1.5m.
The defender had a stellar season on loan at Lennoxtown last term and with Kieran Tierney Celtic’s only registered left-back in the first-team, the Hoops are light.
The Uruguayan international, 28, has been told he can leave Boca and Celtic are still keen. Although their initial loan offer was rebuffed. And yet, O’Neill has made it clear he wants to do business.
“I’d like to take him back if it’s at all possible because if anything, I jokingly said I would give him a 25-year contract for making the goal (against Hearts),” he added.
“We have had conversations with his agent at this minute, so we’ll see where that goes.”
That proves the club are hopeful of an agreement being struck but the hierarchy’s hesitancy could scupper a deal if they are not careful.
Saracchi has been linked with Independiente in Argentina but we understand that is wide of the mark as of right now.
have them both back in a flash as both great players. but that is the squad standing still and not improving. let’s get these two signed up and then get a few more proper first team ready players thru the door
Agree Stephen.
The 2 players could have been tied up weeks ago so why the delay?
As MON says, Iheanacho needs a good pre-season so we need to be told why haven’t these simple deals been done?
they both should be at Celtic pronto,no messing about , the odious Desmond and his malignant cabal of corporate greed and austerity fc owe Martin O’Neil, the staff and most importantly the fans without as Martin said it would not have been possible