Why Celtic were right in avoiding avoid a move for Serie A star Mattia De Sciglio

According to claims from Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Daily Record), Celtic made contact with reigning Serie A champions Juventus over a potential deal for out-of-favour full-back Mattia De Sciglio.

As per the report, the Italian giants were willing to get the 27-year-old off their books but talks with Celtic stalled because the player himself isn’t convinced about a move away from Turin. But he has joined Lyon eventually, on loan. 

Profile

Mattia De Sciglio rose through the youth ranks of AC Milan before making his senior debut for his boyhood club during the 2011-12 season. He went on to register 133 appearances in all competitions over the course of six seasons at the San Siro, establishing himself as one of the best young full-backs in Italy.

The 27-year-old completed a move to domestic rivals Juventus back in 2017 but struggled to make a big impact at Turin due to stiff competition for places, while injuries also limited his game time to a large extent. De Sciglio started only 6 league games last term as the Bianconeri clinched the Serie A crown under the stewardship of Maurizio Sarri.

A full international for Italy since 2013, the versatile full-back has accumulated 39 senior caps for his nation, representing them at the 2013 Confederations Cup, 2014 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2016.

De Sciglio might not have been the best fit for Celtic

Celtic have enjoyed a successful transfer window, with Neil Lennon bringing in the likes of Albian Ajeti, David Turnbull, Shane Duffy and Vasilios Barkas to build a squad capable of challenging for a tenth straight domestic crown. 

However, the lack of quality cover in the left-back department remained a pressing concern for the Hoops. However, the arrival of Diego Laxalt solves that problem for Lennon. 

This issue is probably why Celtic wanted Mattia De Sciglio but it’s good that they didn’t sign him. The vastly-experienced Italian international ticks the box as a tried and tested performer at the highest level but it’s worth noting that his influence has waned over the last few years due to recurrent injuries.

Moreover, the 27-year-old is a right-back by trade and while he has occasionally featured on the other side, it goes without saying that the Italian’s best qualities aren’t properly utilised in an unfamiliar role.

To add to that, De Sciglio doesn’t really fit the bill as a modern-day offensive-minded full-back, as evident from his career track record of just 1 goal and 5 assists in 195 appearances for Milan and Juventus. Lennon ideally needed a more attacking option to play as a wing-back in his back-three system and that’s hardly the Italian’s biggest strength. Laxalt is ideal for this requirement and Lennon is absolutely right in signing him instead of De Sciglio.

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Verdict

Celtic were linked with specialist left-sided players like Alfie Doughty, Ryan Sessegnon, and Casper Hojer among others throughout the summer. But it’s Laxalt who has arrived at the club in the end.

Given the requirements, the Hoops’ links with a specialist right-back like Mattia De Sciglio never really struck the right chords. He wasn’t keen on a switch to Parkhead anyway and now that he has joined Lyon on loan for the season, it seems like it’s worked out well for both parties anyway. Celtic have got themselves a specialist left-sided player in Laxalt and De Sciglio has joined Lyon on loan.