Celtic are closing in on a loan deal for Borussia Dortmund full-back Jeremy Toljan, it has been revealed.
The former German Under-21 international hasn’t featured in the Bundesliga this season and seems out of favour under Lucien Favre, so a loan move looks increasingly likely.
Celtic are hoping to add more reinforcements at the back after strengthening their attack earlier in the transfer window.
According to Sky Sports, Celtic and Borussia Dortmund are in talks for a loan move, and the deal is expected to be completed ahead of the Scottish midnight transfer deadline.
Toljan to Celtic – A Smart move by the Hoops
Celtic have had a few issues in the full-back areas as barring Kieran Tierney, the rest haven’t been consistently as good.
Rangers do seem to struggle when Tierney isn’t there, and considering the Scottish international is struggling with a pelvic issue, the Hoops need reinforcements.
Toljan’s versatility would be a massive boost for Celtic considering their right-backs haven’t covered themselves in glory either.
The German has played a majority of his games in the left-back position, but is equally adept at right-back and as a centre-half.
After making his move to Dortmund in the summer of 2017, Toljan had a decent enough debut campaign with the Black and Yellows as he mustered 16 Bundesliga appearances.
Favre’s arrival, however, has seen Toljan fall below the pecking order as Achraf Hakimi has done exceptionally well in his loan spell, and Marcel Schmelzer has often been used as a backup.
Toljan is someone who thrives in an attack-minded set-up, and his ability to maraud forward using his good burst of pace would add a good attacking outlet on either wing.
Defensively, Toljan can still improve and considering Celtic tend to dominate possession in the Premiership, he’ll have to be wary of his starting position.
Toljan does have the tendency to overcommit at times, but that’s something Brendan Rodgers can work on when the 24-year old moves to Parkhead.
Considering what Celtic have in their squad, Toljan is unlikely to find it hard to break into the first team on a consistent basis.
The loan move for the former Hoffenheim is likely to have a positive effect on the pitch.
