The switch window nonetheless has loads of life in it but and having used the mortgage market to their benefit final season, it appears Celtic are eager to do the identical once more with Barcelona winger Alex Collado reportedly on the agenda.
The 23-year-old was a star flip for Granada on mortgage within the second half of final season and has returned to pre-season coaching trying to make his mark underneath new boss Xavi. In keeping with Spanish journalist Albert Roge, he is considered at Celtic as an actual choice to compete with Jota, Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda for the broad positions, with Ange Postecoglou eager on at the very least yet another attacking choice.
A graduate from the La Masia academy, Collado comes very highly-rated, though is now at an age the place first-team soccer is pivotal. His spell with Granada within the second half of final season was his first substantial run of first-team motion, as he racked up 17 appearances in all competitions, and he now desires to construct on that with a full season of normal game-time.
With Collado's contract presently set to run out in 2023, it had appeared early on as if Barcelona would possibly money in - given their well-noted monetary struggles. However noises from Diario AS quickly put that to mattress, claiming that Xavi confronted a selection between protecting him or Moroccan winger Ez Abde, and opted to maintain Collado, who's now anticipated to pen a one-year contract extension.
It was claimed he can be "given the prospect" to impress Xavi within the early phases of the season, particularly with registration points nonetheless hanging over various gamers - together with Ousmane Dembele and new winger Raphinha.
The most recent U-turn stemming from Mundo Deportivo , nevertheless, suggests Collado is not satisfied by his position within the first-team. It is reported he has made a private plea to Xavi to depart the membership for someplace he could make himself an everyday.
Studies in Spain observe "agency curiosity" from Celtic and Olympiacos, nevertheless Soccer Espana recommend it's extra doubtless he'll be a part of one other La Liga membership, with Girona touted. In any case, it is now believed that Xavi agrees that a transfer away is greatest for his improvement.
It stays to be seen what kind of deal Celtic would favour though it is recommended Xavi would like a "dry" mortgage with no choice or obligation to purchase - feeling Collado's long-term future nonetheless lies at Camp Nou. That would appear to rule out one other Jota-esque take care of a view to a everlasting switch down the road.
Along with Collado, Celtic have additionally been linked with Marseille midfielder Bamba Dieng as Postecoglou seems to place the ending touches on his squad. He could possibly be considered as an alternative choice to Collado, though there could possibly be area within the squad for each - notably if Albian Ajeti and Mikey Johnston are moved on as anticipated.
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