Why Celtic must go all out to sign Wigan star Nick Powell in January
Scottish champions Celtic are interested in Wigan Athletic playmaker Nick Powell and are willing to offer him a lucrative contract in January or next summer, reports the Sun. Premier League club Brighton are also keen on the player and are ready to pay £5m to acquire his services.
Powell, 24, is out of contract at Wigan at the end of the season and is waiting for an offer at the DW Stadium.
Powell made his name with Crewe Alexandra, earning a move to Manchester United in 2012. However, he struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford and moved to Wigan in 2016. He was one of the key figures behind Wigan’s promotion to the Championship as he fired 15 goals in all competitions.
The 24-year-old has started this season very well too, having already contributed three goals and three assists in seven Championship games. Powell continues to impress for Paul Cook’s side and it appears as if he has put the Manchester United nightmare behind him. His stock has significantly risen in the last couple of years.
However, Powell’s contract situation at Wigan could help the interested parties complete a cut-price deal in January as Wigan wouldn’t want to lose him for free.
Celtic must exploit this situation in January. With Powell out of contract at the end of the season, the Hoops must land him in a bargain deal once the transfer window reopens in January.
Celtic endured a really frustrating summer, as Brendan Rodgers lacked financial backing from the club and then saw star striker Moussa Dembele leave for Lyon on deadline day. Come the winter transfer window, it’s important that Celtic back Rodgers with substantial funds in order to help him retain the title.
A move for Powell would be fantastic for Celtic. Powell would be the perfect player for Rodgers as the 24-year-old has the ability to play behind the promising Odsonne Edouard or the experienced Leigh Griffiths.
The addition of Powell would make the Hoops a greater attacking threat. The 24-year-old is a wonderful playmaker who possesses the ability to create spaces for his teammates.
Read more: Enough is enough: After just 83 minutes of action, Celtic would be wise to offload this experienced flop
Powell has been in fine form for Wigan in recent times and he has successfully managed to replicate it this season.
A player whose best years are still ahead of him, Powell would be an exceptional coup for the Bhoys and the ex-Manchester United man could hand Rodgers the boost to sustain the tricky challenges of the Scottish Premiership.