Celtic legend Frank McAvennie believes that signing Diego Laxalt on a permanent basis would be a “smart move” for his former club to make.
Laxalt here to stay?
The 27-year-old moved to Parkhead back in October on a season-long loan from AC Milan and has already impressed manager Neil Lennon, who described his first few performances as “outstanding”.
From nine Scottish Premiership appearances, Laxalt has averaged a match rating of 6.86, making 40.9 passes and 1.9 tackles per match from left-back (Whoscored).
The former Uruguay international, who is earning £54k-per-week at Parkhead, has pleased McAvennie and urged Lennon to make his stay in Glasgow a longer one.
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“I think it would be a smart move to sign him permanently,” he told Football Insider. “He is definitely a better defender than Taylor.
“He has a bad day against Rangers, not one of his crosses got past the first man. It was wrong. I do not think Taylor does it either though.
“I do not get why they do not work on the crossing. Every time they hit the first man. Why do they not work on that in training? It doesn’t look like they’re doing that kind of training.
“If I was Laxalt or Frimpong, I would want to practice but it looks like they don’t. That is something that can be worked on and perhaps that is what they are working on in Dubai.
“But saying that they’ll probably come back and won’t be able to do it because the air is colder in Scotland!”
Transfer Tavern Verdict
It would be a huge boost for Lennon if he could keep Laxalt and would slightly ease the pressure on his shoulders at present – with his side 19 points behind Rangers and supporters calling for his dismissal.
There’s no doubting Laxalt’s ability. Making over 200 club appearances in Serie A and picking up 24 caps with Uruguay shows that he is a player with bundles of experience, one that the Bhoys cannot afford to let go.
With Celtic in the current position that they are in, out of Europe and way off the pace in the Scottish Premiership, Nick Hammond may have a tough challenge on his hands to convince him to stay, though.
In other news – Celtic due to receive short windfall on the back of transfer concerning former Bhoys’ star.
