Why Celtic signing Adam Reach for free would be a real bargain
According to The Lancashire Telegraph, Celtic are weighing up a pre-contract deal for Sheffield Wednesday winger Adam Reach during the January window.
The 27-year-old versatile left-sided operator is out of contract at Hillsborough next summer and is free to discuss terms of his next move with other clubs this month. As per the report, Celtic are keen to take advantage of his unresolved contract scenario by reaching a pre-contract agreement with the player.
However, Neil Lennon’s side face competition from bitter Old Firm rivals Rangers, who are also monitoring the player’s situation at Sheffield Wednesday.
Profile
A youth exponent of Middlesbrough, Reach made his senior debut in the Championship during the 2010-11 season and went on to feature 78 times in all competitions for the Teessiders. He also had loan spells at Bradford City and Shrewsbury Town in League One to further his development.
The former England U-20 star joined Sheffield Wednesday in a permanent £5million deal in 2016 after impressing on loan at Preston. Reach has been a key player for the Owls over the past four-and-a-half seasons, accumulating 21 goals and 33 assists in 207 appearances across all competitions.
Celtic’s pursuit of new options down the left has been well-documented in recent months. The Hoops were heavily linked with a swoop for Charlton wonderkid Alfie Doughty in the summer but failed to get a deal over the line. Lennon’s brigade were expected to go back in the market for the youngster this month but he appears to be closing in on a move to Stoke City in the EFL Championship.
The reigning Scottish champions should, therefore, look for potential alternatives in the market. The departures of Scott Sinclair, Jonny Hayes and Lewis Morgan in recent windows have left Celtic short of cover on the flanks.
Mohamed Elyounoussi and Mikey Johnston are currently the only recognised left-wingers in the squad but the former is due to return to Southampton at the end of the season when his loan deal expires.
Putting things into context, Celtic would land themselves a massive bargain if they manage to strike a pre-contract agreement with Adam Reach this month. Essentially a winger by trade, the 27-year-old has carved out a reputation for himself as a versatile player capable of operating at left-back, wing-back and also in central midfield.
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Verdict
Celtic have lacked a utility wide player in their ranks since the departure of Jonny Hayes and the availability of Adam Reach would offer Lennon some much-needed depth and quality in multiple areas. The Durham-born star boasts an impressive record of goals and assists in the Championship and still has several years remaining in his prime.
