Bundesliga club deliver positive transfer update for Celtic

After Celtic secured a fifth straight league title on Saturday afternoon, despite there still being one cup final to go, attention has already began to turn to this summer’s transfer window.

Back in March, TEAMTALK reported that Celtic were preparing a move to sign FC Koln defensive midfielder – who can also play in defence – Eric Martel this coming summer.

Well, there has been a positive update on that front. Indeed, as it has now been confirmed that by Koln director Thomas Kessler via Football Transfers that Martel will be departing the German side on a free transfer this summer.

This past weekend, Kessler said: “We were in regular, close contact with Eric Martel over the past weeks and months and gave him a fair and appropriate offer. On Friday, he told us that he would not accept and wants to take on a new sporting challenge.

We respect that. We thank Eric for his efforts in the past four years at 1. FC Köln and wish him all the best for the future.” So, all seems nice and amicable.

This feels like a very smart signing. Callum McGregor is 33 now, and does not have the legs to start in 45+ games across all competitions. Plus, his versatility would add another option in central defence.