As per latest reports, reigning Scottish Premiership champions, Celtic, are keen to land Chelsea youngster, Lewis Baker, on loan for the rest of the season. The youngster is currently out on loan with Middlesbrough but it has been more than three months since he featured in the Championship, which might hinder his development.
After struggling for game time, Baker needs to move to a club where he can play regularly. Chelsea could recall the winger as he hasn’t featured regularly for Middlesbrough, thereby providing Celtic the chance to get him on loan.
Apart from Baker, the Bhoys could also swoop for Schalke striker, Franco di Santo, if reports are to be believed. Santo has plenty of experience under his belt, having plied his trade for the likes of Chelsea, Wigan Athletic and Werder Bremen, apart from Schalke of course, and would be an ideal addition to Rodgers’ attacking arsenal.
Rodgers is likely to lose Moussa Dembele in the coming months as the Frenchman has been playing exceedingly well. It’s unlikely he’ll stay at Celtic for too long considering how talented the lad is. So it’s a matter of time before the bigger European sides come calling. Reportedly, the likes of Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in signing him this month.
So, Rodgers needs an alternative in sight and is likely to push Di Santo sign on the dotted line. Celtic might have been able to keep their domestic superiority intact so far this season, but with the twists and turns which the second half of the season might have in store for them, it would be wise to make some additions this month.
The reigning Scottish champions have already signed Marvin Compper from RB Leipzig and signing the aforesaid two players would really strengthen their side. While Baker is still in his formative years, Santo is a proven commodity and has the requisite pedigree.
A striker who has decent pace, Di Santo’s presence in the box could help the team. He is pretty fleet-footed and though his goals tally at Schalke isn’t great, he could be a hit in the relatively lesser competitive Scottish league where Celtic have quite a few good players.
Celtic would be able to inject some young blood and experience into their ranks as well as bring some sort of guidance and leadership if they manage to get these two deals done this month.