Super Lig side Goztepe have begun to make moves over signing a new left back with Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre lined up as one of the European side’s potential targets, according to Fanatik.
The Turkish newspaper claim on their website that the 32-year-old Honduras international, who has made nine appearances for the Glasgow side this season, is among a three man shortlist of players on Goztepe’s shortlist for January, with his contract coming to an end in the summer.
Izaguirre has a total of 261 outings under his belt for the Hoops in two separate stints at Parkhead, rejoining Brendan Rodgers’ side on a free transfer in the summer window a year after leaving for Saudi Arabia.
Opinion
Celtic should have absolutely no problems in letting Izaguirre depart Celtic once again this month, for he has no long-term future at Parkhead and is actually a hurdle for other talents, such as Calvin Miller, to make their mark at the club. Regardless of what Goztepe might want to pay for his services, Rodgers should give the green light to get him off the wage bill and free up space in the first team squad. If Celtic can get some sort of fee for his transfer then that would be a win for them. He has been a great servant to the Bhoys and will be fondly remembered but this second coming at Parkhead has not gone as anyone would have liked, not least the player himself, and it is turning out to be a sad way for him to end his time with the Hoops. Still, the club need to remain looking forward, rather than harking back to the past and Izaguirre does not fit the bill of what they need in their squad right now. Goodbye and good luck to the Honduran veteran.