Report: Celtic also want Spanish right-back Antonio Barragan

Add as preferred source on Google

The Scottish Daily Mail (page 82, 24/07) have claimed that Celtic are interested in signing Spanish veteran Antonio Barragan to strengthen their options on the right side of the defence.

Barragan, 32, has spent two years on these shores, in the Premier League. Firstly, as a teenager, he spent a season with Liverpool where he managed one appearance before being sold to Deportivo La Coruna.

More than a decade after joining Liverpool in 2005, he joined Middlesbrough in 2016 for a season. However, he failed to help Boro in their fight against the drop, and he left the Teesside club following their relegation.

Barragan is currently at La Liga side Real Betis, and made 24 appearances in all competitions last term. However, he has entered the final 12 months of his contract with the impressive Spanish side. It is believed Celtic are monitoring the situation.

TBR’s view – Barragan a cheap alternative for Celtic

With his contract expiring at Real Betis, Barragan could be a cheap option for the Scottish champions in a move that would provide Neil Lennon with two options on the right side of defence.

Celtic have signed Hatem Abd Elhamed but there are question marks over whether he is the long-term answer. Though he is expected to be first choice, a more experienced head may be needed to act as cover.

Barragan can be that man and if his wages are on the cheap side, he could turn out to be a very clever signing.