Celtic fans in the Transfer Tavern are buzzing after the first Champions League qualifier was finally revealed.
The Hoops will begin their European adventure in Armenia on 11 July when they face Alashkert, with the return leg in Glasgow a week later. Alashkert won the Premier League by six points, and Celtic will have to prepare for temperatures to reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius. If they manage to avoid defeat, they will face either Valur Reykjavik of Iceland or Rosenborg of Norway; who they met last year.
Brendan Rodgers has signed just one player this summer, paying £9m to sign Odsonne Edouard permanently from Paris St Germain. Our regulars are hoping to see some new faces before making the 7,000-mile round trip from Glasgow. They are desperate to see a quality centre-back arrive at Celtic Park.
The answer to their problem could be Deportivo La Coruna defender – Fabian Schar. Valued at £2.7m by Transfermarkt, Schar moved to La Liga last season from Hoffenheim. His first season in Spain did not go to plan as Deportivo were relegated from Spain’s top division.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old showed his defensive abilities and has attracted interest from all over Europe. He averaged 2.4 tackles per game, 1.8 interceptions and 5.2 clearances per game (WhoScored) which highlights his quality at the back. Currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, he helped his side draw their opening group game against Brazil.
Available for just £3.5m due to a relegation release clause in his contract, signing Schar is a no-brainer for the Hoops.
Celtic fans, thoughts?
