Why Celtic should avoid a move for Leverkusen’s Lucas Alario
According to the player’s agent (h/t Glasgow Live), Celtic are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen star Lucas Alario this summer.
The report suggests that Alario is looking for a new club despite having two more years left on his contract with the German outfit. However, it is claimed, Portuguese side Benfica are also keen on securing his services.
Profile
Born in Argentina, Alario came through the ranks of CA Colon and made 43 appearances for the club’s senior team before joining River Plate in July 2015. He immediately established himself as a key player of the squad and helped the club lift the Copa Libertadores title in the 2014/15 campaign and the Recopa Sudamericana title in the following two seasons.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Argentine national squad in September 2016 and Leverkusen signed him in August 2017. Though he enjoyed a decent first two seasons in Germany, Alario has seen limited game time in recent months. He has fallen down the pecking order under Peter Bosz.
Why Celtic don’t need Alario
Neil Lennon’s men have been brilliant so far since the start of the new campaign. At the moment, the Hoops have a plethora of attacking talents in their ranks. Star striker Odsonne Edouard is one of the key players in the squad and though he has been linked with an exit, Celtic should keep hold of him.
Apart from Edouard, Celtic also have young Patryk Klimala and the experienced Leigh Griffiths. Both of them could come in handy. The Hoops also brought in Albian Ajeti last month and the Swiss international has managed to settle fast. He has already racked up two goals in as many league appearances this season and looks to be in good form.
Thus, with plenty of options in their centre-forward position, it is not necessary for the Hoops to sign Alario at the moment. The Argentine could be deemed surplus to the requirements of the squad as they already have the required depth.
Moreover, Alario is not a lethal striker who can bang in goals week in and week out. He managed to score more than 10 goals in just one league campaign in his entire career. Thus, Celtic keeping their eyes off the 27-year-old would be a wise decision.
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Verdict
At 27, Alario has a few more years to play football and should look to revive his career at a place where he could get regular game time. At the same time, Celtic have plenty of options and signing the Argentine could cost them their resources. Thus, the Scottish giants should avoid making a move for the former River Plate man and instead look to strengthen other key areas.
