Celtic are weighing up a move for Atalanta star Mitchel Bakker, according to a report from TuttoMercatoWeb. The Hoops secured their first signing of the window last week with the £6million capture of striker Camilo Duran from FK Qarabag, and the Colombian marked his non-competitive debut with a consolation goal in Tuesday's 4-1 friendly defeat to Sporting CP.
But Martin O'Neill knows that more reinforcements across the board are essential, and the Hoops have now been credited with an interest in versatile left-wing back Bakker. The 26-year-old joined Serie A side Atalanta in 2023 after spells with Ajax, Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen and was on the bench as they lifted the Europa League in his first season.
Bakker's Injury Woes and Potential Exit
However, Bakker's three years in Italy have been ravaged with injury and after spending the 2024/25 campaign out on loan at Lille, made just one appearance for La Dea last season. Atalanta are said to be open to selling the Dutchman this summer and TuttoMercatoWeb claim that Celtic are keeping close tabs on the situation with the view to making a play to sign the former Netherlands youth international. They add that Bakker also has interest from other clubs in Serie A as well as in the Turkish Super Lig.
Saracchi Alternative
The Premiership champions are looking to bolster their options in the left back department and O'Neill has confirmed they are in talks to re-sign Marcelo Saracchi. The Uruguay international enjoyed a successful loan spell at Celtic Park last season and has been told he is surplus to requirements at Boca Juniors. Top-flight Argentine duo Independiente and Estudiantes have also been heavily linked with a move for the 28-year-old.
