O’Neill leading Celtic move to sign Saracchi after green light given

At 74 years old, Martin O’Neill is set to lead Celtic into another title defence next season. The veteran manager has calmed the storm ever since he returned for the second time in the same season last time out, and has earned the backing of Parkhead chiefs.

Whilst Rangers have rushed into business, however, the Bhoys have taken a more patient approach. They’re waiting for the right names at the right price to improve their title-winning squad.

It has seen names like Elijah Just and Miguel Chaiwa enter their radar. The thinking is clearly centred around Scottish Premiership stars this summer, especially as the Hoops look to improve their frontline.

Just stands out as the name to watch. He’s already made an impact at the World Cup not long after he ended his domestic season with seven goals and five assists for Motherwell.

Alas, it’s not just O’Neill’s frontline which is under the microscope this summer. The Bhoys are also looking to reinforce their backline after conceding more goals than Hearts and Motherwell last season, and that could see one impressive player complete his move in the coming weeks.

O’Neill pushing Celtic to sign defender

Parkhead chiefs may not have to wait long before welcoming their first signing of the summer. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, O’Neill is now leading Celtic’s move to sign Marcelo Saracchi on a permanent basis from Boca Juniors.

The South American club reportedly rejected the Bhoys’ loan offer in recent weeks, with a permanent move now seemingly more likely, with talks scheduled.

Saracchi, himself, has also already provided the green light over the move, with the defender open to a Celtic return this summer.

The former loanee played an important role at times last season and O’Neill had plenty of positives to say at the end of the season, describing Saracchi as a “special character”.

On paper, it is a move that should not take much negotiating. Boca Juniors aren’t looking to keep Sarachhi, he’s open to the move, and Celtic are already in talks. All signs suggest he could be their first signing of the summer.

Why does O’Neill want Saracchi return?

Saracchi didn’t have the most important role at Celtic Park last season, but it’s worth noting that he would provide key depth in the left-back area behind the injury-prone Kieran Tierney.

At the right price, a return simply makes sense for all parties. There’s even a chance that he pushes Tierney all the way for the left-back spot, especially when considering that O’Neill is pushing to secure his signature.

It would be a fitting way for the Bhoys to start their summer business, which must include several fresh faces in the coming months.

As Rangers and Hearts endure managerial changes, Parkhead chiefs have the chance to pull clear of their title rivals for the umpteenth time in recent years.

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