OPINION
Celtic should go all out to try to sign Chelsea youngster Fikayo Tomori, after the 21-year-old was linked with a move to Parkhead by the Daily Mirror.
The newspaper claimed in their live transfer blog [Thursday, 15:25] that the Hoops are interested in bringing the centre-back north of the border following his exploits in the Championship this term.
Tomori has been an ever-present in the back line of Frank Lampard’s Derby County side, making 44 appearances in the Championship’s regular season before playing in both legs of the play-off semi-final with Leeds United.
This really would be a coup for the Bhoys, as it will present Tomori with a first opportunity in his career to settle down at a club and really nail a spot in the back four of a side.
With Celtic likely to be down to the bare bones in defence this summer, Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic set to be on their way, the Hoops have a real problem emerging and Tomori can fix that.
Yes, the centre-back has played most of the season for Derby this year, but that is only a temporary spell, one of many in his time as a footballer so far. In fact, this season’s loan to the Rams was preceded by moves to Brighton and Hull last term.
If Celtic were to buy him, there would be a real chance for the player to stake a claim at stable first-team football, rather than having to go to different teams each season looking for such opportunities.
Tomori’s experience this season of being in a play-off race will give him a fantastic boost, and that also should be attracting Celtic to his signature. He has shown in big games this season that he can handle the occasion fantastically.
However, Celtic will be up against Derby themselves, according to the Mirror’s report, which claims that Lampard could attempt to thrash out a permanent deal should the Rams get promoted.
Chelsea may even want him back as an option, given that Gary Cahill is leaving the club and the Blues are facing a transfer ban.
Celtic should cross that bridge if and when they come to it, and focus on securing a deal for now. It would be a great investment.