Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal for Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda – and we reckon he could be the final piece of the jigsaw required for the Hoops to make a dent in Europe next season.
The 20-year-old has been targeted by Rodgers in a deal which could be worth as much as £5 million, according to the Express, and he could join Jonny Hayes and Kundai Benyu as the Hoops’ third summer signing.
But why would he be such a pivotal and exciting signing?
Let us fill you in…
Wise Beyond His Years
In many ways, Musonda’s top-flight career hasn’t even started yet, but eh already possesses a wealth of experience.
Under contract at Chelsea until 2019, Musonda has been on-loan with La Liga side Real Betis for the last 18 months, where he made a big impression and was awarded the man of the match on his debut.
He’s also regarded as one of the most exciting players in Belgium’s youth set-up, and has already been capped 12 times for the Under-21 side.
Think of some of the players Belgium have produced in recent years…
Roberts’ Replacement
Typically a left-winger, Musonda wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for Patrick Roberts, but he probably the closest Celtic would get to Roberts in terms of raw talent.
In retrospect, Celtic were probably lucky to have signed Roberts in the first place, and the odds of the England Under-20 star staying on a permanent deal were always slim.
Rodgers and the Parkhead scouting staff have to repeat the trick of signing an exciting flair player, with brilliant technique, for a small fee.
Musonda has all of the attributes to be the solution
Family Over Barca
This might not mean too much to many Celtic fans, but we reckon the fact Musonda turned down Barcelona as a young boy speaks volumes.
We reported last year that Musonda had been offered a deal at the Nou Camp, and at the time he said: “It is true that I rejected Barcelona because Chelsea also agreed to sign my brothers.
“At the time, it was very important for the family that we all joined the same club. We wanted to stick together.
“Barcelona are among the best in the world, but it was important for me to have my family with me.”
Choosing your brothers over playing alongside Leo Messi? They owe him BIG time.
Latest Chelsea Giveaway
Think of some of the players Chelsea have trained and developed as youngsters, before selling on in recent years.
Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Dominic Solanke are just a few that spring to mind.
Whatever you think of the Stamford Bridge club or their policy of developing their young players, there’s absolutely no question that their youth teams are given the best of everything.
Oh, and, of course, Brendan Rodgers knows the Blues’ youth set-up like the back of his hand.
What do you think of Musonda as a potential Celtic signing?
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