Celtic FC Opinion: Two defenders the Hoops should target this summer?

Celtic are inching closer towards their eight successive Scottish Premiership title despite Brendan Rodgers leaving the fans stunned by joining Leicester City last month.

Neil Lennon has taken the reins of the club on an interim basis until the end of the campaign. The Hoops are enjoying a ten-point lead at the top of the table and if Lennon successfully manages to guide the club to the inevitable, he could certainly get the permanent keys of the club, once again.

Should Lennon get the job, he must look to build the team for the future and address some key areas of the squad in the summer transfer window. One of the important areas is the defence, which has failed to inspire this season.

Dedryck Boyata, arguably Celtic’s best defender, will certainly leave the club once his contract expires in the summer, while Filip Benkovic will return back to Leicester City at the end of the campaign.

That’ll leave the Hoops with Jozo Simunovic, Jack Hendry and Kristoffer Ajer—none of have been consistent and reliable at the back.

Hence, it’s crucial Celtic makes defensive reinforcements to compete for the title as well as make a mark in the Champions League. That said, here we look at the two central defenders the Glasgow giants should target in the summer.

1. Samir Memisevic (Groningen)

Samir Memisevic is enjoying an excellent season with Groningen, having been a regular fixture at the Dutch club’s backline. He has made 25 appearances in the Eredivisie, scoring three goals.

Strong in the air and powerful in the tackle, the Bosnian is a no-nonsense defender who’ll bring some much-needed feistiness and leadership qualities to the Celtic backline.

Memisevic likes to play it out from the back and is extremely comfortable on the ball, making him a perfect fit for Lennon’s Hoops.

2. Jean-Kevin Duverne (Lens)

Jean-Kevin Duverne earned rave reviews for his performances with Ligue 2 side RC Lens last season. But he ruptured ligament in his left knee in May last year and was out of action for close to nine months.

The Frenchman, 21, made his return on February and has played seven Ligue 2 games thus far. Duverne will take some time before he gets to his best and starts attracting attention from Europe’s elites.

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But before that happens, Celtic should quickly snap him up this summer. He fits the profile at the Parkhead; young, matured and talented with a sky-high potential.