Just In: Celtic ‘enquire’ about Ajax left-back but face competition from German club for Gr… Read More 👇
Celtic ‘enquire’ about Ajax left-back but face competition from German club for Gr… Read More 👇
Celtic are reportedly interested in strengthening their left-back position and have made initial inquiries about Ajax’s Owen Wijndal, according to recent reports. The 24-year-old Dutch left-back, who has been capped 11 times by the Netherlands, is one of the targets for the Scottish Premiership champions as they seek to provide competition for their current left-back, Greg Taylor.
Wijndal joined Ajax in the summer of 2022, a move that coincided with former Rangers defender Calvin Bassey’s arrival at the Dutch club. Despite his promising start, Wijndal was sent on loan to Belgian side Royal Antwerp last season, where he made 40 appearances across all competitions, including six outings in the UEFA Champions League. During his loan spell, Wijndal also contributed a goal, further highlighting his potential value to any team looking to strengthen their defensive lineup.
The interest in Wijndal is not limited to Celtic; Bundesliga side Werder Bremen is also reportedly keen on the Dutch defender. This competition could make it challenging for Celtic to secure his signature. Nevertheless, Ajax appears open to selling Wijndal, who is under contract with the club until 2026, which might facilitate a move if the right offer is made.
Celtic’s interest in Wijndal is part of a broader strategy by manager Brendan Rodgers, who is keen to bolster his squad as the club aims to maintain its dominance in Scottish football and compete more effectively in European competitions. Rodgers, known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent, is reportedly a fan of Wijndal’s style of play and sees him as a valuable addition to the team.
Rodgers has been vocal about his transfer strategy, emphasizing the importance of investing wisely in players who can make a significant impact. Following the recent signing of Adam Idah for £9.5 million, Rodgers hinted at the possibility of making further high-value signings. He suggested that instead of spreading a transfer budget across numerous players, the club could focus on bringing in a smaller number of higher-quality individuals who have the potential to develop and thrive at a higher level.
Rodgers highlighted that Celtic’s model traditionally focuses on signing young players with the potential to develop, but he also stressed the importance of acquiring young players who can contribute at a higher level immediately. By investing in such players, the club could achieve greater success in both domestic and European competitions.
The pursuit of Wijndal aligns with Rodgers’ vision of bringing in players who can elevate the team’s performance. With Greg Taylor already an established figure in the squad, the addition of Wijndal would provide healthy competition and depth in the left-back position, crucial for a club competing on multiple fronts.
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Celtic can outmaneuver Werder Bremen and secure Wijndal’s services. However, the club’s ambition in the transfer market under Rodgers’ leadership is clear, and fans will be eager to see how the squad shapes up ahead of the new season.
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