Noa Lang (Image credit: Google)
According to Goal (h/t Glasgow Times), Celtic are interested in signing Ajax youngster Noa Lang in this summer transfer window.
The report suggests that the Hoops boss Neil Lennon is looking to add strength to his attack, especially in the wide areas. However, the Scottish champions should face competition to secure the youngster’s services as Hertha Berlin, Villarreal and Real Sociedad are also keen on Lang.
Born in the Netherlands, Lang spent time at the academies of Feyenoord, Nantes and Besiktas before rising through the ranks of Ajax’s youth system. He excelled with the club’s youth teams and won several trophies including two U19 league titles and the Dutch second-tier title with the U21 squad.
The youngster broke into the senior set-up in the 2019/20 campaign and scored a hat-trick on his full debut. However, he struggled for game time and was sent on loan to FC Twente, where he could make just 7 appearances before the league got cancelled.
He has also represented the Netherlands at various youth levels from U16 to U21 and is one of the best young talents in the country.
Lennon has been busy strengthening the squad this summer. However, the manager needs to bring in wingers also before the transfer window closes. At the moment, James Forrest, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Mikey Johnstone are the only wingers available in the squad.
Elyounoussi, who struggled with injuries last season, has been one of the best players since the start of the new campaign. However, he is on loan from Southampton and would return to England once his loan spell comes to an end.
Young Johnstone is out of action due to a calf surgery and this leaves Celtic with limited options in the wide areas. Thus, they should consider adding new faces to wide areas at the earliest.
In that regard, Lang would be a smart addition for the future. The youngster racked up 10 goals and 4 assists in 25 games across all competitions last season. Despite not playing regularly, he has shown immense potential. He is just 21 and still has a lot of room for development.
Lang would add depth to Celtic’s wide areas, whilst also bringing in healthy competition to the squad. And if he is able to continue with the good form, he can go on to represent them in the long run. The Dutchman can be a crucial addition to Lennon’s side at the moment, especially given that they have limited options.
It is quite evident that Celtic could use with more depth in the wide areas. And signing Lang from Ajax would provide them with that. Thus, the Hoops should try to lure the young Dutchman to Celtic Park before the transfer window ends.
