Celtic are looking to land young Spaniard Rodrigo Riquelme after club scouts were ‘blown away’ by his performance against Old Firm rivals Rangers in the UEFA Youth League back in February, according to AS, via HITC.
The 20 year-old, per Transfermarkt who currently plays for Ateltico Madrid B reportedly has a £26 million release clause in his contract, per Marca, and Celtic might look to trigger that but face heavy competition from Ajax, PSV, Real Betis, Valencia and even Real Madrid.
This season, he has made 30 appearances playing as a right winger, and has managed seven goals and six assists, with two of these goals and four of the assists coming in the UEFA Youth League, per Transfermarkt.
Clearly the three assists that came in the one game against Rangers in the competition excited scouts of the Hoops and also Los Rojiblancos manager Diego Simeone, who has given the player one substitute appearance in La Liga and another in the Copa Del Rey.
This signing could be a great bit of business if the Bhoys pull it off. The player is young and clearly has bags of potential, and with current winger Mohammed Elyounoussi, who is on loan from Premier League side Southampton (Transfermarkt), saying he would like to prove himself in England’s top flight (The Boot Room), this may be the perfect time for Celtic to invest in an exciting young wide player.
The Spaniard would have time to learn from the likes of experienced campaigners Leigh Griffiths and James Forrest, whilst also giving Celtic a future attacking plan, as they could use Riquelme with fan favourite Odsonne Edouard for many seasons to come. The 22 year-old Frenchman has had a terrific campaign in Scotland, scoring 21 times and providing 12 assists in 27 appearances, per Transfermarkt.
With other big clubs from Europe keen on the Atletico player it will be tough to sign him. But there is no doubt that Celtic should be trying their absolute best to attract the young winger to Parkhead.
Celtic fans, would you like to club to sign Riquelme? Comment below!
