Celtic Face Competition For This On-loan Defender Ahead Of A Permanent Deal: Why They Must Make It Happen | OneFootball

If a recent report from The National is true, Celtic are open to tying Marcelo Saracchi down on permanent terms, but could face strong competition from Brazilian outfits and elsewhere in Europe for the Boca Juniors left-back, who is enjoying an impressive loan stint in the Hoops colours.

The 27-year-old Uruguay international progressed through the academy ranks of Progreso Paysandú and Danubio before securing a regular place in the latter’s Primera División squad. Argentine heavyweights River Plate secured his services for €2m in August 2017, but let him leave next year when RB Leipzig splashed €12m to bring him to Germany.

However, Saracchi struggled for gametime in the Bundesliga and was loaned out to Galatasaray before his contract was terminated in December 2021. Levante snapped him up on a Bosman a month later. But the fullback eventually returned to Argentina, this time with Boca Juniors, in 2023 after failing to impress enough in Spanish football. He rediscovered his form in La Boca, leading to a season-long loan move to the Scottish champions.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 29: Marcelo Saracchi of Celtic is seen during the Premier League match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on October 29, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Why Celtic Must Retain Saracchi Beyond This Season

Despite being ruled out for a while due to a hamstring injury, the Uruguayan has done enough to challenge Kieran Tierney for the first-team spot. He has scored and assisted once each in 16 appearances [stats via Transfermarket], and is tipped to finish the season strongly under Martin O’Neill. Although there were discussions in the summer over an option-to-buy clause of around £2m, Celtic only agreed upon a loan fee of £75k, as well as his wages during his one-year tenure.

Although the Genoese have him under contract until the summer of 2027, a fee in the region of £2m should be accepted by the Argentine hotshots rather than lose him for nothing next year. Celtic can afford the figure, but a bidding war could jeopardise his Parkhead future beyond this season. Moreover, an assured starting spot might fascinate him while choosing his next destination, with Tierney being the preferred option down the left.

Nevertheless, the Bhoys must do everything in their power to sign him permanently. It remains to be seen whether Julian Araujo is retained, given Alistair Johnston, Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston’s availability on the right, but Celtic, who are expected to undergo a transition in the summer post-O’Neill era, should prioritise a deal for Saracchi ahead of the other on-loan stars.