OPINION
Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Ajax Cape Town youngster Rivaldo Coetzee this summer as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his defensive options.
The Scotsman claimed that the 20-year-old defender is on Rodgers’ shortlist this summer after the former Liverpool boss lost Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryck Boyata to injury at centre-back, leaving only Jozo Simunovic.
It has seen Israel international Nir Bitton start at centre-back in recent matches, while teenager Kristoffer Ajer and left-back Kieran Tierney have also been used at the heart of the Hoops’ back four.
With Celtic set to compete in four separate competitions if they can beat FC Astana in the Champions League play-off round, depth is a necessity and that must see Rodgers add a new central defender to his squad.
This Is Futbol considers whether signing the highly-rated defender would be beneficial for Celtic this summer, and if a deal is likely to be struck.
Good move for Celtic?
Although highly-rated, Coetzee is still largely unknown and is yet to taste European football. The defender is currently playing in the top tier of South African football which is devoid of quality compared to the Champions League.
However, with 16 South Africa caps to his name already at such a young age shows just how much potential the defender has.
With 90 senior appearances already under his belt, Coetzee is destined for greatness and Celtic could bring him in for a nominal fee this summer.
The Hoops are known to bring in unknown youngsters and sell them on for a larger fee including the likes of Victor Wanyama, and Coetzee could be another example of just that in Glasgow.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10.
Likely to happen?
Celtic is way too good an opportunity for Coetzee to turn down, as he continues to boast the potential that could see him have a future in European football.
It remains to be seen if the defender will be able to earn a work permit at Parkhead, but with the lure of Champions League football and the likelihood that he will be handed first-team football, Coetzee should sign with the Hoops.
However, if Bitton continues to impress at the back for Celtic away from his normal position of midfield, then Rodgers could avoid signing Ajax Cape Town’s number three.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10.