One area stands out above any other in terms of defensive recruitment at Celtic this summer.
The Hoops shipped 16 more goals than the league winners last term so Ange Postecoglou desperately needs to add to his ranks.
What’s the word?
Celtic have already wrapped up a deal to sign the defensively versatile Osaze Urhoghide but they will need more bodies than that.
A bizarre situation is ongoing with Kristoffer Ajer and he could still yet stay at Parkhead next season if the Bhoys hold firm over their £20m asking price.
That, however, means that Carl Starfelt is unlikely to become a Celtic player.
One man who could become a Bhoy is Brandon Soppy. The Glaswegian side were interested in signing the teenager last March and have seemingly renewed their pursuit.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano who said on Saturday: “Celtic are interested in signing Brandon Soppy from Rennes [19, huge talent] as new left back. Talks opened - but there are also French clubs in the race.”
The right-back is currently valued at £6.3m via Transfermarkt.
Postecoglou needs him
Heading into the new campaign Celtic are incredibly strapped for options on the right-hand side of defence.
Jeremie Frimpong left last January and Jonjoe Kenny has headed back to his parent club.
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Consequently, Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor are their sole representatives in that third of the pitch.
This is rather bad news as they move towards their opening Champions League qualifying match in just over a week’s time.
The addition of Soppy, therefore, cannot come quick enough.
Heading into the November international break last season, he was ranked as the third-highest 18-year-old in the entire of Europe’s top five leagues.
Now 19 years of age, the Frenchman only played ten times in Ligue 1 for Rennes last term but impressed despite being inexperienced.
He was measured with his passing, completing 81.5% and was incredibly assured in the tackle.
Soppy completed 2.1 successful challenges per game in the French top-flight which for context is a higher number than any player at Celtic. Their best tackler was Ismaila Soro on 1.9 per match.
Crucially for the new manager, the defender also offers plenty in the final third. Described as “extremely dangerous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the youngster recorded 0.9 dribbles per outing in 2020/21.
The only defenders who managed more at Parkhead were the aforementioned Frimpong and Diego Laxalt.
With that in mind, Soppy could bring a new dimension to the right-back role at Celtic. Postecoglou must get this deal across the line swiftly.