Celtic FC Opinion: Why the Hoops should go all out to sign George Baldock?

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Celtic have opened talks over a move for Sheffield United’s George Baldock.

George Baldock, 26, scored once and claimed three assists in 27 appearances last season, playing a crucial role in the Blades’ promotion. The report claims the full-back, who has one year left on his current deal, is interested in talking to Scottish champions despite Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old versatile defender started his career with MK Dons and spent time out on loan at several clubs before joining Sheffield United in 2017. He has done very well for the Blades but as he is out of contract next summer, Chris Wilder could shift Baldock as part of a summer rebuild.

Celtic completed the historic treble ‘Treble’ this past season under the tutelage of Neil Lennon. Even the shock exit of Brendan Rodgers did not stop the Hoops from attaining the rich success. For his work as a caretaker manager following Rodgers’ exit, Neil Lennon has now been given the permanent keys of the club.

Lennon has had a successful stint before at Parkhead but with the resurgence of Rangers, he cannot take things lightly and must sort Celtic’s transfer business out early on this summer. There could be a lot of outgoings this month and the Northern Irishman should bring in proper replacements to help the Hoops continue their dominance.

And one of the key decisions that the Celtic manager will need to make is whether to keep Mikael Lustig. The 32-year-old, who has won eight Premiership titles at Parkhead, is out of contract in the summer and has offers from Sweden. Lennon wants to keep hold of the experienced defender, who has proved outstanding value since joining on a free transfer from Rosenborg in 2012.

There is no denying that Lustig has looked a much better, more consistent defender Lennon, but the club’s hierarchy must feel that his time is up and needs to go. And the Hoops must sign George Baldock to replace the experienced Swede this summer.

Baldock is a right-back by trade but he is equally adept playing at right wing-back or as a right-sided midfielder. He is a decent passer of the ball and holds the ability to take the ball out from the deep and maraud to the opposition half before putting in a teasing cross in the box.

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The Buckingham-born defender is a good tackler and keeps things tight at the back, and that often makes it hard for the opponents to get past him.

Verdict

As Baldock’s contract with Sheffield United expires in 2020, he’ll be available on a cut-price deal this summer. Thus, this deal is a no-brainer for Lennon and Celtic.