Pawel Dawidowicz of Hellas Verona in action during the Serie A match against Lecce last January. (Getty Images)
According to Glasgow Times, Celtic are monitoring £1.4m rated defender Pawel Dawidowicz of Hellas Verona.
The 25-year-old centre-back joined Verona just last summer after impressing on loan from Benfica last season. Having featured for Verona 34 times last time out, Dawidowicz played a key role in helping them achieve promotion to Serie A.
After signing for them permanently, Dawidowicz has played 14 times in the Serie A this season and has helped the team secure five clean sheets in those matches. He has been part of a Verona defence that has conceded just 26 goals from their overall 25 league games this term.
Verona have attained the third-best defensive record in the league. The backline including Dawidowicz has helped them climb to eighth in the league table in their first season following promotion. The Polish defender has also contributed to his side this term with a goal – his only one of the campaign, against Lecce back in January.
Meanwhile, Scottish champions Celtic consider him as a suitable replacement for their recently departed centre-back Jozo Simunovic. Having featured in 126 games across all competitions for Celtic, Simunovic had been an integral member of the Hoops squad in the past few years.
He, however, left the side after the expiry of his contract last week, forcing the Hoops to look for new defensive reinforcements. That said, Neil Lennon’s side signing Dawidowicz as a suitable candidate to join their ranks would be a good move.
At present, Celtic just have two established centre-backs in Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer. However, young defender Ajer has been centre of transfer speculation in recent times and roping in an experienced customer like Dawidowicz would be a safe option at the moment.
Predominantly a centre-back, Dawidowicz is also capable of playing in a defensive midfield role. Out of his 14 league appearances this term, the Pole has featured twice as a defensive midfielder. This versatility would make him a valuable asset for the Hoops if they make an approach to buy him.
With Simunovic leaving and Ajer’s future in doubt, Celtic would possibly be left with Jullien and Nir Bitton as options at the back. Considering all this, Celtic must up their interest in Dawidowicz and bring him to Parkhead as soon as possible. It would serve to add more depth and quality to the centre-back department.
Apart from Jullien and Ajer, Celtic do not have any recognised centre-backs in their side. And Dawidowicz’s arrival will offer them competition for a starting role. Moreover, it will also offer manager Lennon additional options at the back. Also, Lennon can rely on Dawidowicz’s defensive versatility. It will come handy to the side as per the requirements of the game.
