Celtic are running riot in 2019 and took another step towards an eighth successive Scottish Premiership title after a thrilling win over Kilmarnock at the weekend. The Hoops are now eight points clear of rivals Rangers and it would be a major surprise if they don’t get their icy hands on an eighth consecutive title.
But Brendan Rodgers needs to start planning for the future and plot potential names to target in the summer transfer window. An area that needs reinforcing is the defence, with Celtic having struggled at the back this season.
To make things worse, Dedryck Boyata is out of contract at the end of the season and is an almost certainty to leave in the summer after rejecting an extension. Filip Benkovic will return to Leicester City after the expiry of his loan spell, while veteran Mikael Lustig’s seven glittering years is set to come to an end in the summer.
That makes defensive reinforcements paramount ahead of the 2019/20 campaign and Rodgers could do a smart job by signing Reading defender Tyler Blackett.
Tyler Blackett, 24, is a familiar face to the Celtic fans from his loan spell in 2015-16 season. He couldn’t make a massive impact then, managing just eight appearances across all competitions. But since leaving Manchester United for Reading in 2016, the versatile defender has performed well in the Championship, especially this season.
Blackett has impressed in Reading colours in what is turning out to be a difficult season for the Royals in the Championship. Having done really well this term, Rodgers should bring in the former England U21 international at Parkhead.
The 24-year-old would offer versatility at the back with the Blackett capable of featuring at either left-back or in central defence. No matter what formation Rodgers decides to utilise moving forward, Blackett’s versatility would also come in handy.
Calm and composed in possession, the former Manchester United can pick a pass from deep and put in dangerous crosses inside the box while operating as a left-back. To add to that, the 24-year-old is also quite good in the air and he has the physicality to rub shoulders with the physically strong forwards.
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At 24, Blackett has a long way to go in his career. The Manchester United academy graduate is a player with massive potential and if he can eradicate these silly mistakes, then he could certainly be a quality signing for the Hoops.
