It’s funny what can happen if a manager comes out and demands more from his board when it comes to transfers.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers basically did that yesterday and since that news conference the Scottish Premiership champions have been heavily linked once again with Hibs midfielder John McGinn and moves to bring Jason Denayer and Emilio Izaguirre back to the club.

It’s also being reported that Celtic are working hard to complete the signing of Daniel Arzani on two season long loan deal from English Premier League champs Manchester City, who are about to sign their Australian from feeder club Melbourne City.

Anyone who watched the Socceroos at this summer’s World Cup will tell you that young Daniel was definitely a bright point for the Aussies.

When discussing Arzani’s World Cup inclusion, experienced coach Bert van Marwijk stated this about the talented attacker:

“He is a big talent and can make a difference,”

The pacy nineteen year old was a real live wire and he’s very attack minded and direct!

He’s a player that likes to run at opponents with the ball at his feet, has good close control and likes to get into the box. He’s also a composed performer and despite his tender age, Arzani’s always quick to offer himself up to receive the ball.

Rodgers has previously stated this summer that his side need to replace the players that have left during this transfer window and one of those is attacking winger Patrick Roberts. Now stories linking the Man City man Roberts with yet another return to Parkhead have continued for yet another summer, but it looks as though Arzani will be the first through the door and the Celtic faithful will hope he has the tricks and skill to help them forget about Roberts.

Arzani made his breakthrough with A-League club Melbourne City last term, playing in twenty games and scoring twice. He has also won five caps for his country, scoring his first international goal in his side’s friendly encounter against Hungary.

He took his first Aussie goal well, stepping in off the left wing before whipping in a shot with his right foot. Although it should be noted that the Hungarian keeper made a howler in trying to save Daniel’s shot.

The tricky winger, who can also play behind a frontman, seems to prefer playing on the left as that allows him to cut in onto his right and shoot from distance.

Having the pace, directness and skill that should keep the Hoops fans happy great but you’ve got to imagine that Daniel Arzani might take a bit of time to settle into his new surroundings.

At his young age, players can offer mixed performances. Roberts was the same when he first arrived in Glasgow but the beauty of a long term loan deal is that Celtic and Brendan can nurture the raw talent and hopefully see him fulfilling his potential after six months or so. The second season will be the one in which City will judge him on and if he has a long-term future at the Etihad.

I spoke with Australian soccer journalist Dan Colasimone and he said this about Celtic’s potential new loanee:

“He’s very raw, having only just burst onto the A-League scene midway through last season, but is being touted as the best talent Australia has produced since Harry Kewell.”

“He does have that spark about him that makes you want to watch – a wide attacking player who has pace and the ability to take on opponents.”

If Celtic can complete the loan signing then they’ll once again have a top, young talent on their hands and one who’ll hopefully get the home support off their seats.

Posted on August 8th, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article