Celtic’s hopes of signing Marcelo Saracchi appear to have stalled.
The defender came in on a season long loan in August as back-up for Kieran Tierney.
Saracchi excelled in that role as Tierney built up match fitness.
In the final stages of the season the energy of the Uruguayan played a key role in Celtic’ double success.
Daizen Maeda’s goal against Herts to help clinch the SPFL title was largely down to the creativity and drive of Sarachi.
In the cold light of day a loan is a loan. Yesterday’s Hampden appearance could have been the Celtic farewell for the 28-year-old.
CELTIC IN RECRUITEMENT STALEMATE
Celtic appear now to be without a manager. With no Director of Football or Sporting Director it is difficult to work out who will currently be making football decisions.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kelechi Iheanacho will be in similar positions but Saracchi has a contract with Boca Juniors that has another 18 months to run.
Argentinian publisher Bola VIP reports:
One of the “new” faces Boca will have once the semester ends will be that of Marcelo Saracchi . The left-back won the league title with Celtic, but his loan will expire on June 30, the day he hopes to be playing in the 2026 World Cup under Marcelo Bielsa.
The loan spell saw the Uruguayan left-back make 27 appearances for the Scottish club. Now it remains to be seen whether the club will decide to buy him outright or consider a return to Boca. Saracchi is under contract with Boca until December 2027.
According to sources, the Scottish Premiership giant is keen to acquire the player, but negotiations have not yet progressed. Therefore, the player will have to report for preseason training in Ezeiza.
Saracchi’s World Cup involvement is a further complication but highlights the urgency for Celtic to appoint a manager.
Wilfried Nancy was sacked on January 5, effectively the club should have been active in the management market for at least seven months.
The 26/27 season will start on August 1/2 with Celtic facing one Play Off tie to reach the group stage of the Champions League.
With Tierney also at the World Cup there is a real need to have a ready to play left-back signed up for the start of pre-season training.
There is an expectation of major change at Celtic over the close season but nothing yet from the club on any likely changes.
An interim manager, interim Chairman and no Head of Football Operations look like issues that need to be addressed.
CLICK HERE for Saracchi Transfermarkt profile.
