As reported by The Daily Record, Emilio Izaguirre is on the verge of a Celtic exit this summer with Costa Rican club Deportiva Alajuelense interested in signing him when his contract expires.
What's the story?
Having made over 250 appearances for the Hoops over the years, only the long-serving Scott Brown has more appearances for Celtic in the current squad.
The Honduran's long association with the club could be coming to an end though, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, and no shortage of suitors waiting to snap him up.
The Record reckon not only are clubs in Major League Soccer interested but that Costa Rican side Alajuelense are certain to launch a bid to sign him at the end of the season.
As quoted by The Daily Record, Alajuelense president Fernando Ocompo said:
Emilio Izaguirre is a great player. We are going to wait until the end of the season before we negotiate a deal. We have a sports commission at the club who have a list of players we want for the new season and Emilio is on that. They will write a report and we will look at the funding it would require to bring him here.
If he goes, it would be an emotional farewell for the 30 year old, who has enjoyed his seven years in Glasgow and built up a great rapport with supporters.
Should Celtic give him a new contract?
Plenty to offer
The emergence of Kieran Tierney has seen Emilio Izaguirre struggle for game time over the last two seasons. In fact, the Honduran has only made one start for the club in 2017.
While his desire may be to see regular first team football, from Celtic's perspective, offering him a new contract doesn't seem like the most stupid suggestion.
He offers depth and experience in a key position for the Bhoys. Tierney may be the top boy at left-back but should he get injured, as he did for 3 months this season, then Izaguirre is a capable hand to step in and make sure a beat isn't missed.
That kind of reliability and competition will be hard to replace.
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