Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Celtic are on the verge of completing their ninth summer signing, with Marcelo Saracchi close to finalising his move from Boca Juniors.
The Uruguayan full-back is set to join on an initial loan deal, and trained with the squad at Lennoxtown on Friday as the final details of the transfer are being completed. Saracchi will provide much-needed cover for Kieran Tierney, especially with Hayato Inamura now made available for loan and not considered ready for consistent first-team action. There is no option to buy in the deal.
Rodgers, speaking ahead of Sunday’s derby against Rangers, confirmed the player is already with the club and that everything is nearly in place for the deal to be made official.
“We have Marcelo in the building as well,” Rodgers said on Celtic TV. “So hopefully that’ll be all agreed and signed off within a matter of hours. He gives us that cover that we need for Kieran in his position.”
The 27-year-old, who previously played for RB Leipzig and Galatasaray, brings European experience and versatility to the Celtic defence. His arrival is seen as crucial as the club attempts to strengthen in key areas following their early Champions League exit.
Saracchi is expected to be available for selection soon, though the derby may come too quickly for him to feature. Nevertheless, with the Europa League campaign starting later next month and a League Cup quarter-final on the horizon, his inclusion comes at a pivotal time.
An official club announcement is expected imminently.
