OPINION
Celtic must attempt to sign Wesley Hoedt from Southampton this month with the club in need of reinforcements at centre-back.
With Filip Benkovic set to return to Leicester City at the end of the season upon the expiration of his loan spell and Dedryck Boyata’s future uncertain, the need for another central defender has now become paramount.
This is exactly why Brendan Rodgers must plot a swoop for Southampton centre-back Hoedt, who has been told he is free to leave the club by boss Ralph Hasenhuttl according to Sky Sports‘ Transfer Centre [11/1, 8.17am].
Swooping for Hoedt would be a very wise move from the Hoops, especially as they look set to lose at least one of their best central defenders.
The 24-year-old ace has effectively been frozen-out by his manager, which means that he will no doubt be looking for first team chances elsewhere – and Celtic will definitely be able to provide those chances.
He has shown a number of times this season – before Hasenhuttl took over – that he is incredibly capable with his defensive duties, but he has not been able to showcase that skill recently.
The out-of-favour defender is the perfect replacement for the likes of Benkovic come the summer, which will give Rodgers the peace of mind he needs regarding his defensive reinforcements.
Moving for Hoedt is practically a no-brainer, as his Premier League experience – he has a total of 41 appearances to his name in the top-flight – would allow him to walk into Rodgers’ starting XI with ease.
Working under a manager like Rodgers will give him the opportunity to progress into a top-class centre-back, so move will essentially benefit both parties.
What is Hoops chief executive and transfer negotiator Peter Lawwell waiting for? The chance to snap up a defender with Premier League experience does not come up very often, so he must move very swiftly.
Celtic fans will erupt if Rodgers can make the most of Hoedt’s current situation, as he is just the player they need.