Celtic Had A Bid Turned Down For This Serie A Defender: They Must Table Another Offer For Two Reasons | OneFootball

If a recent report from L’Unione Sarda (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic had a bid rejected by Cagliari for Adam Obert. They must raise their offer to secure the services of the young defender, and the champions of Scotland must decide whether to snap him up, particularly after tying down Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The 22-year-old Slovakia international progressed through the academy ranks of Zbrojovka Brno in Czechia before being roped in by Sampdoria for their youth side. He made strides with the latter in Italy, but eventually left for Cagliari on a Bosman. So far, he has represented the Islanders 86 times since his senior debut in 2021, and was primarily deployed as a left fullback last season across 23 appearances in all competitions.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Adam Obert of Cagliari celebrates his goal 4-1 during the Serie A match between Cagliari and Lecce at Sardegna Arena on January 19, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Serie A side only tied him down to a new contract earlier this year, which keeps him in Sardinia until the summer of 2029. They are in a strong position to maximise the profit from his potential transfer, and the Hoops, despite having ample depth in deep defence, could pursue a move for two major reasons.

Why Celtic Should Have Him At Parkhead

While they have Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty, and Simpson-Pusey as central defensive options, Brendan Rodgers should allow Dane Murray to leave on loan for regular game time. The Bhoys’ academy graduate was enjoying a loan spell with Queen’s Park, but was recalled by Celtic earlier this year following  Stephen Welsh’s move to KV Mechelen for the second half of the 2024-25 season.

Welsh, 25, has failed to cement his place in Rodgers’ defensive unit due to form and fitness reasons. He could leave again amid interest from English League One outfit Plymouth Argyle, whereas the club have already offloaded the outcast duo Maik Nawrocki (on loan) and Gustaf Lagerbielke.

Although Hayato Inamura impressed during pre-season upon his arrival from Albirex Niigata, the gaffer might sanction an immediate loan, citing him ‘a part of the investment‘ over a first-team option. Predominantly a centre-half, the Japanese youngster has been excellent down the left with his energy, flair and marauding runs. Yet a temporary switch should help him attune to the physicality and aggression of European football.

Obert would not only fit in the heart of the backline, but also as the understudy to Kieran Tierney as a left-back. He possesses the traditional traits of a towering centre-back, with a focus on tackling, blocking, and intercepting; however, his passing game needs to improve to fit the manager’s plan as a ball-playing defender, and so should the crossing attribute, if he wishes to excel in the fullback role.