As reported by The Scotsman, Emilio Izaguirre is set to leave Celtic in a £1.25m move to Saudi Arabia this summer. The Honduran international has spent seven years at the club, becoming one of the most popular members of the squad with supporters. His hard working, never complain style has won plaudits from many and on his day he could turn in an exceptional attacking performance too.
In recent years he’s played second fiddle to the emerging Kieran Tierney but has continued to give his all for the club without complaint, able to fill in when injury or fatigue becomes an issue for the star teenager.
That consistency means Brendan Rodgers may miss him as much as fans will. It’s not often you can call upon such a quality back-up without distracting dramas.
With no real youth prospects beyond Tierney emerging in the position, the Hoops could do with bringing in another left-back to either compete with the Scotland international and push on his game or simply provide decent cover.
With that in mind we’ve picked out THREE Izaguirre replacements who can help strengthen the Celtic squad…
Mitchell Dijks
Ajax defender Mitchell Dijks has had a long association with the Dutch club, come through as a youngster and only leaving permanently for one season after which he was duly re-signed. However, after a loan spell at Norwich City in the second half of last season it looks like his time in the Netherlands could be coming to an end.
The Eastern Daily Press reported this week that while a fee had been agreed between Birmingham City and Ajax for his services, he failed to agree personal terms with Harry Redknapp’s side. Norwich also admitted on their official website earlier this summer that they’d tried to sign him on a permanent basis but failed.
Celtic should take advantage of that and throw their hat in the ring to sign him. He ticks plenty of boxes for the Hoops. He’s young at 24, he has European experience with Ajax, he has plenty of professional appearances under his belt and he had a great footballing education.
Bringing in that kind of quality could push Kieran Tierney’s game onto new levels and would provide the Bhoys with an excellent alternative should he lose form or get injured.
Dijks fits into Celtic’s attacking style perfectly and if the club should ever decide to cash in on Tierney then he may be a ready made replacement.
Cammy Kerr
Cammy Kerr is coming off the back of a fantastic season for Dundee, winning the club’s Young Player and Player Of The Year awards. Talk to most Dundee supporters and they’ll tell you he was the obvious choice for both. Just 21 years of age, he’s already one of the Scottish Premiership’s best left-backs.
He has pace to burn and has shown he can keep up with the likes of Scott Sinclair, Jonny Hayes and Barrie McKay in that department over the last 12 months. He isn’t just a runner though and has shown the maturity required to keep wingers up and down the division quiet.
Despite his tender age, Neil McCann made him vice-captain of the club, showing there’s real leadership potential there and working under coaches like Brendan Rodgers, his game could really improve.
He may not have the experience required to shine for the Hoops in Europe but nurturing his potential while providing direct back-up to Tierney could see a rough diamond shine in the Hoops with time.
Joe Bryan
Another attacking wing-back who would fit perfectly into Celtic’s open and attacking set-up, Joe Bryan proved to be one of, if not the most, consistent player in his position last season in the Championship for Bristol City.
Still just 23 years old, he’s made close to 200 appearances for the Robins and looks set to make a move to a bigger club in the Championship this summer. Celtic can offer him plenty that other clubs can’t including exposure to European football and the chance to win medals in high-profile competitions.
He’s a player that would really push Kieran Tierney’s skills and make him fight for his place at the Hoops which can only be a benefit and like Mitchell Dijks, he may even be a long-term replacement for the defender if Celtic eventually cash in big.
With the ability to also play in the left wing position, he could even provide cover for Scott Sinclair if needed.
