Why Aliou Traore to Celtic is a win-win situation for both parties
According to France Football (h/t Daily Record), Celtic have been linked with Manchester United midfielder Aliou Traore.
The 19-year-old Traore, who is a key player for the Red Devils under-23 squad, is in high-demand, with Rangers and Portuguese side Benfica also keen on his signature. Traore, who has impressed many at the United academy, came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain before joining the Red Devils in the summer of 2017.
The young Frenchman has stood out this season for United’s under-23 side, scoring four goals from 14 Premier League 2 appearances. Despite excelling for Manchester United’s reserve side, Traore is yet to make an appearance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s senior side.
With the side already well-stocked in the middle with talents such as Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Fred and a few others, Traore’s chances of a first-team appearance will be increasingly limited. Traore, who still has another 12 months left in his current contract at Old Trafford, could either depart the side on loan or permanently this summer.
Traore looks like a perfect fit for Celtic
Meanwhile, Celtic have, in recent times, specialised in roping academy talents from across the border and turning them into first-team stars. For instance, the case of Patrick Roberts, Olivier Ntcham and Jeremie Frimpong may have prompted Celtic to register an interest in Traore.
Roberts, a Manchester City academy graduate, impressed during his loan stint with Celtic from February 2016 to August 2018, scoring 18 goals and assisting 28 times in 78 games. Meanwhile, Ntcham and Frimpong have established themselves as first-team regulars in Neil Lennon’s side after switching to Scotland in 2017 and 2019 respectively.
Ever since moving to Parkhead, Ntcham has evolved as one of Celtic’s key players, making 123 appearances and scoring 23 goals across all competitions. Frimpong, on the other hand, has nailed down the right-back spot all for himself, racking up two goals and three assists despite switching sides just last summer.
With their recent young recruits evolving into the side’s key players in recent times, it’s not a big surprise Celtic have shown an interest in Traore. Moreover, skipper Scott Brown will turn 35 this month and they need to find a suitable successor for him.
Thus, by all means, Traore to Celtic looks like a win-win situation for both the parties. The Scottish giants should quickly make a move for him.
Read more:
- Why Celtic must revive their interest in Alberth Elis
- Why Celtic should secure the signature of Ivan Toney
- Opinion: Celtic signing 19-year-old rising starlet Michal Karbownik would be a boost to a key position
Verdict
The evolution of Roberts, Ntcham and Frimpong are examples that Celtic could reap rich dividends by investing in youth. Neil Lennon’s side should definitely make a move for the talented Traore. Moreover, he is still in his teens and could prove to be an excellent future signing for the club.
