Celtic supporters in the Transfer Tavern are relishing the rest of the summer transfer window, what with their club eyeing up reinforcements that can continue their domination of Scottish football next season.
Brendan Rodgers’ men swept aside all before them this time round in winning the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish League Cup, and Scottish Cup titles, thus clinching a second successive domestic treble. But following disappointment in Europe and with Old Firm rivals Rangers strengthening under Steven Gerrard, the Bhoys will be well aware that further additions are needed this summer to maintain their position as the best team in the country.
As such, there are many expectant Celtic fans in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be interested by the recent developments at Championship side Aston Villa, what with huge financial problems seeming to grip the Midlands club.
Thus, the Villans may have to get rid of some their star assets over the summer, and as such Celtic must take advantage of the cash-strapped club by making a move for £7.2 million-rated defender James Chester (as per Transfermarkt).
Ultimately, the 29-year-old was a stalwart in the heart of Steve Bruce’s side this season in starting all 46 of their Championship matches, and then all three of their play-off encounters in which they came up short against Slavisa Jokanovic’s Fulham in the final at Wembley.
And with the Villans boasting one of the better defensive records in the division, with only the top two of Wolves and Cardiff City (both 39) conceding fewer (42), it’s clear that Chester has had a big impact on things at Villa Park this season, and is without doubt one of their most influential stars.
However, given his sterling efforts for the club this term, they could struggle to keep hold of the Wales international, and Celtic must throw their hat into the ring as Rodgers eyes further defensive additions.
Dedryck Boyata’s call-up to the Belgium squad for this summer’s World Cup is set to leave the former Liverpool chief short of defensive options for the start of their Champions League qualification campaign, what with the first qualifying round due to take place on the same days as the semi-finals in Russia.
As such, the Belgian is almost certainly going to be missing from those opening two matches and potentially those in the second qualifying round as well, which is why Rodgers simply must seek to reinforce his backline – ultimately, if Celtic don’t make the group stages, their season would already be deemed a failure.
And given how integral Chester has been at the heart of the Villa defence this term, alongside his fine efforts at Premier League level for Hull City and West Brom in recent years, he’d be an ideal addition to Rodgers’ side, not just to make up the numbers, but to also provide stern competition in the centre back ranks.
As such, with Villa struggling financially, Celtic must seek to take advantage by moving for the Welshman this summer.
Celtic fans… what do you think? Let us know!
