Celtic could land Marcelo Saracchi for a cut-price fee this summer — but will have to move fast. Martin O'Neill wants to sign the Uruguayan left-back permanently after an impressive season-long loan from Boca Juniors. Saracchi became a huge fans' favourite at Parkhead with his committed displays and played a pivotal role in clinching the title against Hearts on the final day.
Record Sport understands the defender is keen on returning to Glasgow, but Hoops chiefs have yet to open formal talks over a deal. Boca Juniors are ready to offload Saracchi this summer, and the 28-year-old has serious interest from Turkey and the MLS. It's believed Celts could land the Double-winning hero for less than £2 million, with Boca open to offers. However, Saracchi wants his future thrashed out quickly and won't hang around on Celtic firming up their interest.
Newly-appointed O'Neill singled out Saracchi for special praise after last month's dramatic Premiership finale against Hearts and is a huge fan of the player. With first-choice Kieran Tierney the only senior left-back at the club, the champions are in the market for a deputy. Saracchi missed a chunk of the rollercoaster campaign with a hamstring injury but still made 27 appearances. Only 10 of those were starts, and although the 11-times capped international is keen for more minutes, he knows O'Neill has a lot of faith in him.
Saracchi is just one of a number of new signings O'Neill wants through the door this summer. Top of the veteran gaffer's wish list is a proven goalscorer and at least two new wingers. The Glasgow giants will also be in the market for a new goalkeeper and central midfielders. There's poised to be a major squad overhaul this summer, with around 20 players staring at an exit.
Kasper Schmeichel, Stephen Welsh and Luis Palma have already left Celtic Park. Loanees Saracchi, Julian Araujo, Benjamin Arthur, Joel Mvuka and Tomas Cvancara have all returned to their parent clubs, with Junior Adamu joining Schalke. Out-of-contract duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have yet to discover if they'll be offered extensions. While fringe players Hayato Inamura, Maik Nawrocki, Adam Montgomery, Reo Hatate, Paulo Bernardo, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Shin Yamada will all be offloaded. Celts are also braced for interest in key trio Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren.
