Celtic: Signing Omar Colley would fix Lennon’s huge defensive worry

by Georgia Goulding share

2 minute read 17/1/2021 | 07:05pm

Celtic’s disappointing 2020/21 season has gone from bad to worse after Neil Lennon and 14 of his senior players were forced to self-isolate due to a positive test. Because of this, the reigning Premiership champions have been reduced to a skeleton crew, with Gavin Strachan spearheading the team in the manager’s absence.

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Due to their inconsistent form, Celtic have slipped more than 20 points behind runaway leaders Rangers. The title is now theirs to lose and the Bhoys will be furious that they likely won’t be lifting their tenth consecutive league trophy.

Celtic must sign a defender

Lennon’s main issue is arguably his defence, with too many games ending in draws or losses where a team of Celtic’s calibre should have been home and dry. For example, in their brief Europa League stint, the Glaswegians shipped 19 goals in six games, finishing rock bottom of their group.

With the ongoing worry of Kristoffer Ajer leaving the club, Celtic must prioritise a move for a new centre-back. They have recently been linked to Omar Colley, who was also on the radar of Liverpool and West Ham during the summer window, according to La Republica, via Metro.

With a £10.8million release clause on his head, Sampdoria have recently come out and revealed that they will be willing to slash their asking price for the centre-back.

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This is a deal that Peter Lawwell should be all over. As it stands, the Hoops are seriously struggling with their defence and bolstering their options is a crucial move for a side looking to chase the title next season.

Loan signing Shane Duffy has been a disappointing addition to the team and bringing in a player like Colley would allow the club to terminate the Brighton man’s loan move early.

The difference between the two is staggering. According to WhoScored, Colley outweighs Duffy in every defensive statistic apart from the amount of blocks made per match. The Sampdoria beast averages more interceptions, tackles and clearances per 90 minutes and commits less fouls.

Signing a confident performer like Colley will be the first step towards re-establishing Celtic Park as a defensive fortress. Plus, for a cut price, the Bhoys really can’t go wrong.

In other news, Jeremie Frimpong hugely struggled in Celtic vs Livingston…