Four players who could replace Dedryck Boyata at Celtic next season
There has been growing speculation suggesting that Dedryck Boyata could leave Parkhead this summer. Lazio and Fulham have shown interest in the former Manchester City player.
The Belgian international enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign in Russia as the Red Devils won the bronze medal after seeing off England in a 2-0 win at Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg.
Celtic may be tempted to cash in on the centre-back whose contract is up next summer. Fulham must rebuild their squad ahead of the next season, following promotion to the Premier League via playoffs. Hence, Slavisa Jovanovic could try and lure Boyata to join the Londoners.
Here are 4 players who could replace the Brussels-born 27-year-old at the heart of the Bhoys’ defence.
1. Fabian Schär
According to Belgian outlet HLN, Boyata is ready leave Celtic this summer and the Hoops have identified Swiss international Schär as a replacement. Capped 42 times by Switzerland, Schär played three matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The right-footed centre-back currently plays for Deportivo La Coruna. The 26-year-old has had stints with Hoffenheim and FC Basel, since coming through the ranks at hometown team, FC Wil. Having played across numerous leagues, Schär has the required experienced to help Celtic dominate Europe. His current contract runs until the summer of 2021.
2. Stijn Wuytens
Stijn Wuytens is a 28-year-old Belgian, who is currently playing for Dutch side Alkmaar. He is another great replacement for Boyata at Parkhead. The versatile left-footed Belgian can play as a centre-back, a defensive midfielder and as a central midfielder.
Wuytens came through PSV’s academy and has spent his entire club career in the Netherlands, barring a single season with Belgian side Beerschot AC. Having played in the Eredivisie, Jupiler Pro League, Europa League and Champions League, Wuytens fits the bill as a replacement for Boyata. His current deal at AZ Alkmaar runs until the summer of 2020.
3. Sébastien Dewaest
Dewaest is a right-footed Belgian player. The 27-year-old centre-back can occasionally play as a right-back and is currently a part of KRC Genk. He came through OSC Lille’s youth system before joining KSV Roeselare.
Dewaest has played over 100 Jupiler Pro League matches and has also featured in the Europa League. It would be interesting to see if Genk are willing to cash in on a player whose contract runs until the summer of 2022.
4. Léo Lacroix
Lausanne-born Lacroix is a right-footed Swiss centre-back, who currently plays for AS Saint-Etienne in the French Ligue 1. The 26-year-old has a contract until the summer of 2020. Lacroix came through FC Sion’s youth system, before joining Saint-Etienne in 2016. He spent the latter half of the previous season on loan with FC Basel in Switzerland.
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His impressive CV boasts of featuring in the Swiss Super League, French Ligue 1, Europa League as well as Champions League, making him an option Celtic should definitely consider.
