Celtic are set to welcome Azerbaijan under-21 international Bahlul Mustafazadae to Parkhead on trial this summer as they weigh up a potential free transfer, according to the Herald.
The newspaper claim on their website that the 22-year-old central defender, who has 10 appearances for his country’s under-21 side, is set to jet into Glasgow and have the Hoops run the rule over him at the club’s Lennoxtown training centre as his contract at current club FK Qabala comes to an end.
He has been a mainstay for the Azerbaijani side this season with 23 games under his belt, and has been called up to his national side’s senior squad as he waits to make his full international debut.
Good move for Celtic?
There are quite obviously some doubts about his potential as the Hoops line up a trial for him, but it could turn out to be a savvy move if he impresses the coaching staff at Parkhead.
The club will be light on centre backs with Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic both unlikely to be in Glasgow next season and with funds always a limitation at Celtic, a free transfer is the perfect solution.
He seems destined for bigger and brighter things, having already been called up to the Azerbaijan national side, and will no doubt be relishing the opportunity to prove himself at a British giant like Celtic.
However, it is hardly going to be the big name, proven talent that the Hoops faithful want to see arriving in Glasgow and so he cannot be considered the solution to the club’s defensive problems.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
If he impresses on his trial then absolutely, for there are unlikely to be many bigger clubs than Celtic chasing his capture.
This looks like a real under-the-radar transfer swoop and considering the lack of transfer fee can also can be considered a low risk signing.
It is up to Mustafazadae to impress the Bhoys this summer.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10