The champions need midfield reinforcements
With Celtic’s reported move for Mika Baur appearing to have stalled, manager Martin O’Neill will be concerned about his midfield options this season. There are major questions marks over the futures of Engels and Hatate, while both Nygren and McGregor have been tentatively linked with moves also. So far, the club have renewed the contract of Oxlade-Chamberlain but they will likely need several new additions if the level of turnover is as extreme as it’s expected to be.
With the new season fast approaching, the Hoops will be looking for greater depth and creativity. Also for someone who can anchor the midfield and dictate play. Baur and his versatility must have been seen as a strong fit but that deal seems to have stalled for some reason. Whether that one does eventually go though is yet to be seen.
But if it doesn’t, could Celtic turn to a familiar target?
Celtic have a habit of revisiting old targets
Over the years, Celtic have regularly returned to players they have tracked previously. A trait that has sometimes annoyed the fans. With Celtic needing midfield reinforcements maybe Lennon Miller would be an obvious name for the club to revisit.
The former Motherwell midfielder has long been linked with the hoops before his move to Udinese in Serie A last summer. Despite the links with the Scotland Under-21 international on several occasions, no move has ever materialised. Maybe this might be one the club revisits this summer to ask the question.
Midfield still needs strengthening
Even if Baur does eventually arrive from Paderborn, there is a strong argument that Celtic require another couple of quality options in the middle of the park.
Callum McGregor remains the heartbeat of the side, but with his career beginning to wind down, could Miller be the long term replacement for the Celtic captain? It would clearly depend on the price as last time the terms were too rich for Celtic.
Injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion can quickly expose a lack of depth. Celtic need to make sure they are ready to go in midfield for the long season ahead.
Adding another midfielder like Miller who is capable of competing for a start would reduce the reliance on the likes of McGregor throughout the season.
Does Lennon Miller fit Celtic?
Miller is clearly one of Scotland’s brightest young talents despite missing out on the World Cup squad. He is comfortable receiving possession under pressure, capable of dictating play and shows maturity on the park, the Motherwell academy graduate looks the kind of player that could contribute to the season ahead.
Signing one of the country’s best young players would also fit Celtic’s long-term recruitment strategy, combining immediate quality with significant resale potential. Even though they seem incapable of signing direct from other Scottish teams at the minute.
If the club genuinely believe Miller has the potential to become a key player, delaying a move could simply increase both the competition for his signature and the eventual transfer fee. Why not move now before you sell Engles, Hatate or McGregor? Why not be proactive a year after the transfer should of took place.
Time for Celtic to act
There is nothing to suggest that Celtic have reignited their interest in the former Motherwell player, and the club may still complete a deal for Baur. However, I wonder if this is one the club will revisit the longer the window goes on. It would depend on how much he is enjoying the experience in Italy. My guess is it’s been a positive experience but he hasn’t played as much as he would have liked. Maybe he would consider the move back home to play regularly and develop?
Given Celtic’s history of returning to previous transfer targets, Lennon Miller is one name that I would expect to hear before the end of the window. Even if it’s just an enquiry like they’ve done recently with Penrice at AEK Athens.
Whether the Scottish champions decide to test Motherwell’s resolve remains to be seen, but strengthening central midfield will remain one of the club’s priorities before the transfer window closes. Especially if several players leave the club before the deadline.
What do you think Celtic fans? Would you like Celtic to push to complete a deal for Lennon Miller this window?
All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only
