Celtic have been in talks to sign a “special” 11-cap international, as Martin O’Neill looks to build a side capable of retaining the Scottish Premiership title.
O’Neill has already confirmed he is looking to make several new additions to his squad this summer, despite just about getting over the line in last season’s title race, saying: “We have a number of players that we’re looking at.
“We’ve had a number of offers in for players as well too at the same time.
“And I’m hoping in the not-too-distant future, and I mean maybe in the next couple of weeks, that we will have some really decent players at the football club to add to the very decent players we have at the football club.”
However, the manager is also looking to bring back some familiar faces, such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi, who both played their part in the 2025-26 title triumph.
The Hoops boss has been particularly complimentary of Saracchi, describing the defender as a “special character” after the 3-1 victory against Hearts on the final day.
Football FanCast’s Verdict | |
|---|---|
Credibility | Saracchi has already proven himself as a worthy back-up to Kieran Tierney, featuring 27 times for Celtic in all competitions last season, which indicates he could be a solid rotation option. O’Neill has personally confirmed he is keen to bring the left-back to Parkhead once again, so the credibility of the story isn’t in question. |
Finances | The Boca Juniors defender has been valued at £1.3m, so a deal wouldn’t break the bank, especially considering the Hoops are set to return to the Champions League next season. |
Insight | The Uruguayan made 15 Scottish Premiership appearances last season, during which time he averaged 1.1 interceptions per 90, the joint-highest number in the squad. |
Impact | Despite O’Neill lauding the full-back after Hearts, he is likely to remain a back-up option last season, considering Tierney had a very impressive first season back in Glasgow, picking up five goals and seven assists in 30 Scottish Premiership matches. |
Celtic open talks to sign Marcelo Saracchi
O’Neill has now confirmed he wants to bring Saracchi back to Celtic, saying: “I’d like to take him back if it’s at all possible because if anything, I jokingly said I would give him a 25-year contract for making the goal (against Hearts).
“We have had conversations with his agent at this minute, so we’ll see where that goes.”
Promisingly, the 11-cap Uruguay international is said to be keen on a return to Glasgow.
Why Saracchi could be the ideal signing for Celtic
Dermot Desmond has been widely criticised by sections of the Celtic fanbase for a lack of spending, but a deal for the Boca Juniors ace would be cheap, having been valued at just £1.3m.
While Tierney flourishes from an attacking point of view, Saracchi’s defensive talents were regularly on display last season, averaging 6.4 recoveries per 90 in the Scottish Premiership, the second-highest number in the squad.
With the former Levante man also ranking joint-first for interceptions per 90, he could be the ideal option to come off the bench next season when O’Neill wants to shore things up at the back.
As such, it is little wonder O’Neill wants to bring Saracchi back to Celtic Park.
