Why Celtic signing Bartosz Bereszynski would shore up their defence
Back in August, a report from Italian newspaper Il Secolo XIX (h/t MSN) claimed that Celtic had been keeping an eye on Sampdoria right-back Bartosz Bereszynski. The Polish international was also linked with a move to Southampton in the summer but he eventually ended up staying put in Italy.
Profile
Bartosz Bereszynski started his professional career with Lech Poznan in the Polish Ekstraklasa during the 2009-10 season but struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular in the following seasons. He spent time on loan at Warta Poznan in the second tier before securing a move to Lech’s fierce domestic rivals Legia Warsaw in January 2013.
The versatile defender went on to establish himself as an integral member of Legia’s squad over the next four seasons, making over 100 appearances in all competitions whilst also featuring in the group stages of the Champions League and Europa League.
Bereszynski’s impressive rise to prominence in Poland paved the way for a move to Italy with Sampdoria in 2017 and the right-back has since played 111 times for the club in all competitions so far.
A full international for Poland since 2013, Bereszynski has earned 28 caps for his nation, representing them at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Nations League.
Bereszynski would add a lot of quality to the Hoops’ backline
Celtic’s defensive woes have seen their campaign fall apart in recent weeks, with the Hoops managing just 2 wins in their 10 last games across all competitions. They have conceded as many as 23 goals over that period, which clearly sums up the club’s ongoing struggles at the back.
Having already seen their Europa League hopes come crashing down before their eyes, Celtic recently suffered a shock exit from the second round of the Betfred Cup following a 2-0 loss against Ross County.
With Rangers already building a 9-point lead atop the Scottish Premiership standings, Neil Lennon’s side need to improve quickly if they are to harbour hopes of securing a tenth straight domestic title.
Shane Duffy, Kristoffer Ajer, Christopher Jullien and utility man Nir Bitton have all struggled for consistency in the centre-back department. Diego Laxalt has been a rare positive at left-back but the Hoops have often been let down by the inexperience of Jeremie Frimpong on the right.
While the youngster has undoubtedly looked exciting further up the pitch in attack, question marks continue to linger over his abilities as a defender.
With Hatem Abd Elhamed only playing a bit-part role, it would make a lot of sense for Celtic to eye up another out-and-out right-back ahead of the January window. Reigniting interest in Bartosz Bereszynski, to that end, could go a long way towards shoring up the club’s porous and vulnerable backline.
Despite being a right-back by trade, Bereszynski is also capable of operating as a centre-back and a left-back. Such a trait of versatility would offer Lennon with quality cover in multiple areas across the backline. A defender of proven quality in one of the elite leagues in Europe, it is a no-brainer that the 28-year-old would be an excellent addition to the ranks at Parkhead.
Read more
- Why Celtic should make a move for Rodrigo Riquelme
- Why Caleb Ekuban could be a smart signing for Celtic
Verdict
With Frimpong still young and raw and Duffy set to return to Brighton next summer, Celtic need to start lining up some defensive alternatives. Bartosz Bereszynski still has a lot to offer at 28 and the Hoops signing him would definitely help them overcome a bizarre crisis at the back.
