Why signing Jason Denayer could be a great option for Celtic this summer
Celtic still need strengthening at the heart of the defence. According to The Scotsman (h/t Turkish Football), a familiar face could be available this summer; Jason Denayer. Denayer, a Belgium international, could return to Celtic although Leeds United and Galatasaray have also shown interest in the player (h/t The Scotsman).
The Manchester City defender spent a season on loan at Celtic Park back in the 2014/15 campaign. Playing alongside Virgil van Dijk, Denayer impressed as he scored six goals in 44 appearances in all competitions.
He helped the Glasgow giants clinch the Scottish Premiership and League Cup double. For his efforts, Denayer picked up the Scotland PFA Young Player of the Year. He was also included in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.
Once the loan was completed, Denayer signed a five-year deal with City. He was promoted to the first team to replace departing compatriot Dedryck Boyata, who joined the Bhoys. Instead, Denayer spent the next season in Turkey. He followed it up with another loan stint at Sunderland, before returning to Galatasaray again last season.
This summer, Denayer featured for the Premier League champions in the International Champions Cup friendlies. However, he is likely to wait longer to make his debut for the Citizens.
It will be a tough task for him to dislodge the likes of John Stones, Vincent Kompany, Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice centre-backs.
Interestingly enough, he could be available this summer if Brendan Rodgers can meet Manchester City’s valuation of £9million.
Fast and confident on the ball, Denayer is Rodgers’ type of player. The 23-year-old has two years left on his Manchester City contract. He spent last season on loan at the Turkish giants Galatasaray, helping them win the Super Lig after winning the Turkish Kupasi in a previous loan spell.
Denayer has gained valuable experience since leaving Parkhead. He has played 148 times, including 39 Super Lig appearances.
With a point to prove, Denayer could use his time back at Celtic as a stepping stone for his career. He could follow in the footsteps of Virgil van Dijk, Stuart Armstrong, Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster and Ki Sung-Yeung, all of whom earned big money moves. As Boyata proved playing in all three of Belgium’s World Cup group games, moving to Celtic would not be a bad move to fuel his international aspirations.
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Denayer can play as a centre-back, a defensive midfielder, a left-back and a right-back. Given his versatility, it would be hard not to get minutes north of the border. He could partner Kristoffer Ajer since the likes of Boyata, Jozo Simunovic, Marvin Compper and Jack Hendry flattered to deceive.
If Celtic are to wade off Rangers’ push to end their dominance in Scotland and progress in Europe, the Hoops must assemble a well-functioning defensive unit. Signing Denayer will provide Rodgers with just that, making it necessary for him to pursue this deal.
