Three players Celtic must consider to replace Dedryck Boyata in January
According to a report from the Sun, Celtic are open to selling star defender Dedryck Boyata in the January transfer window.
The Belgian defender has been on the books of Celtic since the summer of 2015 when he joined from Manchester City. The 27-year-old wanted to leave the club in the summer transfer window and was subject of interest from Premier League side Fulham. However, Celtic refused to sell him in summer and Dedryck Boyata ended up staying at the Parkhead.
But, given that he is in the final year of his contract, the Scottish champions are considering cashing in on Boyata in the winter transfer window rather than losing him for absolutely nothing at the end of the season.
Keeping that in mind, Brendan Rodgers should bring in a replacement in January. Here are three replacements Celtic should consider.
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Domagoj Vida (Besiktas)
Domagoj Vida emerged as one of the stars of the 2018 World Cup, helping Croatia reach the final and beat the likes of Argentina and England along the way.
The Croat joined Besiktas from Dinamo Zagreb on a free at the start of 2018 and has dished in impressive displays since in the Turkish Super League.
Vida is an aggressive centre-back who is also adept in playing at right-back. Strong in the air and powerful in the tackle, he is also a leader on the pitch and at 29 is well into his prime. The Croatia international may not have set the world alight during his early years but he has certainly proven to be a late bloomer.
Hence, Celtic could consider Vida as an option to replace Boyata in January.
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Pontus Jansson (Leeds United)
Pontus Jansson made a slow start to the season in the Championship but he has finally adapted to Marcelo Bielsa’s system at Leeds United.
The big Swede was one of the very few shining lights in an otherwise disappointing last campaign for Leeds. Jansson has been a regular fixture for Bielsa’s side lately and given his form, Celtic should look to lure him away in January.
The 27-year-old is hugely experienced and excels in tough tackling and game reading. He is one of the best defenders in the Championship and Rodgers should look to prise him away from Elland Road in the January transfer window.
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Eder Balanta (FC Basel)
Once considered as one of the hottest prospects in South America, FC Basel’s Eder Balanta’s career has stalled somewhat in recent years. However, he is 25 and still has enough time to rejuvenate his career.
Balanta is a ball-playing centre-back, blessed with power and aerial ability. He is capable of building attacks from the back and has also gained solid experience playing in Europe.
Read more: Why Celtic simply cannot afford to let go of their talented 23-year-old impact player
Keeping in the mind the Colombian’s qualities, Celtic should definitely consider the talented defender in January.