Why Celtic must sign Nick Powell in the January window
As per reports from The Sun, Scottish champions Celtic are plotting a January move to sign midfielder Nick Powell from EFL Championship outfit Wigan Athletic.
The former Manchester United midfielder is in the final year of his contract with the Latics and is yet to be offered a new deal. And Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping to swoop in try and lure the 24-year-old north of the border – either in the winter window or at the end of the season when his contract expires (h/t The Sun).
Powell was targetted by the Bhoys last season (h/t The Sun via Birmingham Mail). After all, the player has built quite a reputation for himself with some stellar performances for Wigan. He also played a key role in the club’s promotion to the Championship.
The midfielder netted 15 times and set up 7 more in 39 appearances in England’s third-division last season. And he has continued his merry ways in the ongoing term, finding the back of the net on three occasions and assisting four more in seven Championship appearances for Paul Cook’s side.
Powell is a versatile and flexible operator who is primarily a central midfielder. However, he can also play as an attacking midfielder and a secondary striker if needed. In addition, he has also been utilized as a centre-forward at times.
Powell’s knack for scoring goals from the midfield is truly admirable. At each of his clubs, the 24-year-old has maintained a healthy goalscoring record. Furthermore, he is quite a threat with his impressive technical abilities and long-range shooting. A good dribbler of the ball, the Englishman often drives his team forward with the ball and is an accurate passer as well.
His attacking facets are well-balanced with solid defensive responsibility. In fact, the midfielder has displayed good strength and grit to shield possession in the middle and isn’t afraid to go into a tackle.
Celtic lost Stuart Armstrong to Southampton in the summer, meaning there is a void that needs to be filled.
In Olivier Ntcham, they have a central midfielder who has proven to be effective in both halves of the pitch and the likes of Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor offer quality in the attacking third. However, with Rodgers using McGregor on the left side of the midfield in recent games, adding a midfielder who can operate in multiple positions should prove to be a good move for the Hoops.
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Powell endured a difficult spell at Manchester United but he has put it behind and turned things around with Wigan. The 24-year-old has started to deliver on the early promise that he showed in his career. His versatility, technical ability and penchant for scoring goals should come in handy for Celtic as they must push for a hat-trick of trebles. Hence, the Bhoys must sign him in the winter window.
