Celtic revive interest in Irish defender Vinnie Leonard

The 17-year-old – who is currently on the books at Dundalk – has been on Celtic’s radar for more than a year. According to GiveMeSport, contact has now been re-established as the Scottish champions explore a potential move.

Leonard’s development has not gone unnoticed elsewhere, with a number of European clubs also tracking his progress, including Genoa, Lyon and Norwich City.

However, Dundalk are under no obligation to cash in and would demand a sizeable six-figure fee, plus performance-related add-ons, to consider a sale. Such a valuation underlines both the player’s potential and the level of competition for his signature.

Should Celtic succeed in striking an agreement, the expectation is that Leonard would stay in Ireland until the conclusion of the current campaign before completing a switch to Celtic Park.

That structure would allow Dundalk to retain a key asset while ensuring the defender continues to gain senior experience.

Leonard signed his first full professional contract last year, a move that secured Dundalk’s interests rather than committing him to a long-term future at Oriel Park.

On the international stage, he enhanced his reputation at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in November, playing every minute of Ireland’s five matches and scoring in their knockout victory over Switzerland.

Although investing in talent is something that Celtic should be doing, the team badly requires ready-made players who will step in and improve the starting XI.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, a right-footed centre-back should be a priority for Wilfried Nancy.

Both Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan have slotted in alongside Auston Trusty and Kieran Tierney in a back three, but it’s clear that the team needs balance on that right side with someone that suits the system.

Leonard in time may be that player, but investment in experience and quality to the backline will be useful in Celtic’s pursuit of five-in-a-row.

Conor Spence

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