Premiership champions Celtic have now been joined by Bayern Munich in the race to sign Hearts defender Aaron Hickey.
The Daily Mail recently reported that the Bavarians have joined the Hoops, Chelsea and Lazio in the chase for the left-back. The report also talked of interest from the likes of Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Milan in the 17-year-old.
The report reveals that while Hearts haven’t received any bids for Hickey, many European clubs are looking at potentially acquiring his signature. It is said that Hearts’ relegation from the Premiership looks ‘inevitable’ currently and while Hickey hasn’t faced a pay cut, he could be part of the club’s exodus.
The report said that Celtic are one of Hickey’s ‘admirers’ and Lazio had scouted the teenager before lockdown.
The 2019-20 season saw Hickey play regularly at left-back for Hearts. He made 30 appearances in all competitions, playing 22 times in the Premiership as well. In the league, he scored once and assisted once (via Transfermarkt).
Does it make sense for Celtic to sign Hickey?
Sign him up!
That will be pointless
Hickey has previously been with Celtic’s Under-17s side. But the youngster left Parkhead in the summer of 2018, when he had initially joined the Hearts Under-18s side but broke into the club’s first team in the summer of 2019 (via Transfermarkt).
TIF Thoughts…
While breaking into the first team at such a young age is worth praise, Celtic already have two left-back options with them currently. Both Greg Taylor and Boli Bolingoli arrived at the club in the summer of 2019 and due to that, having another left-back won’t help the player or the club. Hickey would need first-team football to develop and considering the presences of Taylor and Bolingoli, he may not get that at Parkhead.