Why Celtic must plot a summer swoop for Motherwell’s David Turnbull

Last summer, The Scottish Sun had claimed that Motherwell midfielder David Turnbull was on the verge of a move to Celtic for a fee of £3.25million. However, Celtic medical flagged up the need for the player to undergo knee surgery and as a result, a move to the Parkhead collapsed.

David Turnbull, 20, made his long-awaited comeback from injury against St. Mirren earlier this week—his first after undergoing knee surgery last summer. He played the last 20 minutes of Motherwell’s surprise home defeat to St. Mirren.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a fantastic 2018/19 Scottish Premiership campaign with Motherwell. He scored nine goals and assisted five times in 25 Premiership games.

Meanwhile, Celtic strengthened their midfield department in January by signing Ismaila Soro. The arrival of Soro has bolstered the Hoops’ midfield to compete on all the fronts for the rest of the season. However, Neil Lennon must add more options in that area ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Scott Brown has been a fantastic servant for Celtic ever since joining from Hibernian back in 2007. However, he will turn 35 in June and is on his last legs. Apart from the ageing Scotsman, Celtic do have Callum McGregor, Olivier Ntcham and Ryan Christie as options in the middle of the park. But with Christie more suited in the number 10 role as evidenced by his performances this season, the Hoops need to add midfield depth.

Having said that, Neil Lennon would be wise to rekindle interest in David Turnbull during the summer transfer window.

Turnbull is an incredibly talented footballer, enjoying his breakthrough campaign with Motherwell last season. For his impressive displays, he won the SFWA Young Player of the Year. A central midfielder by trade, the 20-year-old can play in a variety of positions across the midfield.

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The Scotland Under-21 international would bolster Celtic’s midfield options, whilst adding some much-needed depth to the squad.

Verdict

Celtic must keep a note of Turnbull’s performances until the end of the season. Should he continue doing well for Motherwell, the Scottish giants must attempt to sign him this time around.