Celtic are absolutely desperate for a new centre back, and they could do a lot worse than making a sneaky swoop for Micah Richards.
What’s the story?
According to BBC, Celtic had a bid in the region of £3.5m rejected for Aberdeen youngster Scott McKenna.
Rodgers has since confirmed that the Hoops are no longer interest in McKenna, but along with the links to Wolfsburg’s Jeffrey Bruma, it is clear the Hoops are chasing another centre back.
One fan has suggested making a move for Aston Villa’s Richards, and it actually makes a lot of sense.
The 30-year-old, like Bruma, has had his fair share of injury problems, but he still has a couple of good years left in the tank, and his versatility and experience would be a brilliant addition for Rodgers and Celtic.
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Two signings in one?
Perhaps the biggest blot in Richards’ copybook is his injury record, but Bruma’s is just as bad, and plenty of fans seem happy to sign the Dutchman.
Richards can play as a right-back or centre-back, perhaps Celtic’s weakest positions at this moment in time, and his experience of playing at a high level will help youngsters like Kristoffer Ajer and Jack Hendry.
The 5 ft 11 in defender made over 200 appearances for Manchester City, and has 13 England caps to his name. He is now completely out of favour at Villa Park, with Steve Bruce blaming a lack of fitness for the reason he did not play a single game last season.
However, you don’t make over 200 appearances for a Premier League team by luck, and the 30 year-old still has something to offer. He is surprisingly good in the air for his size, very good and composed on the ball, a strong tackler, and reads the game better than any of Rodgers’ current centre back options.
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The defender would likely have to take a wage cut to come to Celtic, but if Rodgers could get his attitude right he would basically be two signings in one, thanks to his ability to play multiple positions across the back four.
So, Celtic fans, would you take a gamble on Richards? Or is he too much of a risk? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…
