Celtic are reportedly preparing to ramp up their pursuit to sign Los Angeles FC ace Mateusz Bogusz as fellow attacking midfielder Matt O'Riley closes in on a move to the English Premier League with Brighton.
GlasgowWorld understands the Hoops are close to agreeing a deal for the Polish Under-21 international, who has a price tag in the region of £8million. Brendan Rodgers’ reigning Premiership champions are aware they will have to splash the cash to meet the MLS club’s valuation, but talks are already at an advanced stage to sign the former Leeds United man.
Bogusz, who has scored 17 times this season, is viewed as a major asset and a potential successor for Seagulls-bound O’Riley, who is expected to break the Scottish transfer record by sealing a deal worth more than £25m. And Bogusz is on a list of possible options to replace him as the search for O’Riley successor begins to accelerate.
And Eagle-eyed Hoops supporters have been left convinced the 23-year-old is on his way to Glasgow’s East End after clocking that a private jet from Los Angeles was due to arrive in Scotland earlier this week. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with Celtic just needing to meet the American outfit’s valuation of the player.
Bogusz's Arrival: A Signal of Celtic's Ambitions?
Speculation has been rife on social media in recent days among the Celtic fan base that a deal could be close to completion. Using the website FlightTracker, details were shared of a private jet that left LA International Airport at 6.35am (US Time) and was due to arrive at Glasgow Airport at 11.01pm on Friday. Should the move go through, Bogusz would become the club’s fifth signing of the summer window.
Celtic have already pulled off one big-money transfer this summer, signing Adam Idah for a package believed to be around £9.5 million. If add-ons are met, the Irishman will go down as the most expensive signing in the club's history. Normally, fans would not expect the Hoops to splash out further but with the futures of Matt O'Riley and Kyogo in doubt, some statement signings are needed, if those exits do take place.
Bogusz's Versatility and Potential
Mateusz Bogusz is someone Celtic have been linked with in recent times. The versatile Polish player has been in tremendous form for Los Angeles FC in the MLS.
Bogusz can play as a forward, on the wing or even in midfield as a number 10. He has thrived in all those roles for LAFC. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 17 goals and provided 6 assists in 33 appearances this season.
The most recent of those goals came in the semi-final of the Leagues Cup, helping LAFC get to the final of the competition. Now, it remains to be seen whether a move to Celtic lies in Bogusz's future.
As tweeted by Eryk Szymczak, Celtic matched LAFC's £8 million transfer valuation of Mateusz Bogusz, but in the end, the club are wanting more as they cannot sign a replacement with the MLS window now shut. They are also very likely to stall with any offers until after the League Cup final due to be played on Monday. It’s also unclear if the Hoops will go back to the table with an improved offer.
To be honest, one cannot expect Celtic to make a much higher offer than that. At the end of the day, this is Bogusz's breakout season and it is uncertain whether it is just a purple patch or not. There
Bogusz is not the only high-profile move Celtic have been linked with in recent times either. Arne Engels of FC Augsburg is believed to be in their sights as well and he has a lot more high-level experience in Europe under his belt.
A Busy Week for Celtic: More Transfers on the Horizon?
The Hoops transfer activity is likely to go right down to the wire on August 30, with Rodgers still looking to strengthen in key positions. Celtic have been linked with Liverpool youngster Owen Beck and former Rangers target Auston Trusty as defensive reinforcements, while they have also been touted with a swoop for FC Lausanne-Sport winger Alvyn Sanches.
A Busy Week for Celtic: More Transfers on the Horizon?
The Hoops transfer activity is likely to go right down to the wire on August 30, with Rodgers still looking to strengthen in key positions. Celtic have been linked with Liverpool youngster Owen Beck and former Rangers target Auston Trusty as defensive reinforcements, while they have also been touted with a swoop for FC Lausanne-Sport winger Alvyn Sanches.
A Busy Week for Celtic: More Transfers on the Horizon?
The Hoops transfer activity is likely to go right down to the wire on August 30, with Rodgers still looking to strengthen in key positions. Celtic have been linked with Liverpool youngster Owen Beck and former Rangers target Auston Trusty as defensive reinforcements, while they have also been touted with a swoop for FC Lausanne-Sport winger Alvyn Sanches.
