Celtic interested in Niko Gießelmann | OneFootball

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Niko Gießelmann to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by German publication SportBild (via Sport Witness), who claim that the 1.FC Union Berlin left-back has caught the eye of Ange Postecoglou’s side, as well as a number of clubs in England.

The report goes on to state that Celtic are “keen” to sign the 30-year-old, whose contract at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

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Celtic’s next Tierney

Considering just how impressive Gießelmann has been in Germany this season, in addition to Celtic currently lacking a considerable amount of strength in depth at left-back, the defender would certainly appear to be a fantastic signing for Postecoglou to get over the line in the winter transfer window.

Indeed, over his 14 Bundesliga appearances this term, the £3.5m-rated man has scored three goals, registered three assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of one shot and making 1.4 key passes per game.

The former Hannover 96 player has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 3.5 duels per fixture.

These returns have seen the £7.9k-per-week left-back – who is also capable of playing in a more advanced role on the left-wing –  average a SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as Union’s third-best performer in the league.

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Furthermore, when discussing his recent run of goalscoring form in the Bundesliga, Gießelmann said: “As a youngster, I played up front or in attacking midfield more often, and in my early days at Greuther Fürth, I played as a left midfielder more often. So I probably still have a bit of striker’s blood in me. That’s showing a bit at the moment.”

Indeed, when taking into account his positional versatility, as well as his obvious attacking inclination, the 30-year-would very much appear to be a left-back in the mould of Kieran Tierney, a player who directly contributed to a whopping 45 goals during his time with Celtic.

As such, considering Postecoglou’s lack of depth in the position, Gießelmann would indeed appear to make an excellent addition for Celtic this winter, not to mention a cheap one – with his contract in Germany running out in just sixth months time.