Cedric Soares spent five years with Southampton. (Getty Images)
According to Daily Record, Sweden Allsvenskan leaders AIK Fotboll are interested in signing Celtic defender Mikael Lustig as per the club’s Sporting Director Bjorn Wesstrom. The Sweden international’s contract at Parkhead expires at the end of the season.
The Swedish League defending champions want to take right-back back to his native homeland. Over the years, Lustig, who can also play at centre-back, has been an integral part for Brendan Rodgers’ side. However, the 31-year-old has struggled for consistency this season. Hence, the Bhoys must scan the market for a replacement and that could be Cedric Soares.
Celtic should consider turning their eyes to St. Mary’s Stadium. The 27-year-old would be a quality replacement at right-back and can also be deployed on the right-hand side of a defensive double anchor.
Cedric Soares has been a consistent figure for the Saints since 2015 when he signed from Portuguese side Sporting CP. Excellent in defensive work at right-back, the Portugal international is good at marauding down the right flank to help in the attack and can also make key passes in the final third. Soares has made 110 appearances for Southampton, scoring once and supplying nine assists.
Having been part of the Euro-winning side, there is no doubt that Soares is a big game player. He was also one of the standout performers last season at Southampton. Under Mark Hughes, Soares’ form has taken a dip but its safe to assume that its just a bad patch and he’ll soon hit top form. In his prime years right now, he would be a quality signing for Celtic.
Regardless of whether Lustig stays, Celtic should sign Cedric Soares as he’d offer healthy competition for the veteran right-back. The Scottish defending champions should be aiming to make a run deep into the Europa League and defend their domestic treble. To do so successfully, the Hoops need to sign a defensively strong right-back, who can also help out in the attack. And to that end, Soares is an ideal option.
Cedric Soares’ contract at Southampton will run out in 2020. However, Celtic could use regular European qualification as extra bait. With Southampton struggling this season, a move to Glasgow would provide Soares with a good place to start the next phase of his career.
