news-engine

Celtic have been linked with a move for Hearts forward Claudio Braga, but this is one transfer rumour that deserves a healthy dose of scepticism. The story has started doing the rounds, with some sites choosing to push the link after it was dropped by Peter O’Rourke who is a blind man playing darts when it comers to Celtic rumours. At this stage, however, we have seen nothing to suggest there is anything substantial behind it. More importantly, when you look at Celtic’s summer business and what it would actually take to get Braga out of Tynecastle, it simply doesn’t add up. Martin O’Neill has already seen two forwards arrive for significant money this summer. Kasper Høgh was brought in to lead the line, while Camilo Duran was also signed to strengthen Celtic’s attacking options. That doesn’t mean Celtic are finished adding to their forward line. Far from it. But spending another sizeable fee on Braga would be a strange use of resources when there are other areas of this squad which still require attention. Then there is Hearts. They would have absolutely no reason to make this easy for Celtic. Braga is under contract and Hearts would know exactly what selling a player to the Scottish champions would mean. Celtic wouldn’t be shopping in a market where they could pick somebody up cheaply. There would inevitably be a premium attached to any deal between two SPFL clubs. Celtic would also effectively be putting a sizeable chunk of cash into the hands of a Hearts side trying to improve their own squad. Why would Celtic want to do that unless they were absolutely convinced Braga was capable of making a significant difference at Parkhead? And that is perhaps the biggest question surrounding the whole thing. Braga Celtic Link examined There is nothing at this point to suggest Braga is a player Celtic simply have to go and get. Performing well for Hearts is one thing. Celtic spending significant money to take him from a domestic rival, with all the added expectations that come with playing at Parkhead, is another entirely. That’s not a criticism of Braga. It’s simply the reality of what Celtic would be buying and the price they would likely have to pay. Could circumstances change? Of course. Transfer windows move quickly and a player who isn’t currently high on the agenda can suddenly become relevant. But as things stand, we aren’t buying this one. Some sites may want to run hard with the Braga to Celtic story for whatever reason, but there is currently nothing substantial enough for us to believe a move is developing. Celtic have already spent heavily on Høgh and Duran. Hearts would demand serious money. Celtic have other positions requiring investment, and handing a domestic rival a large transfer fee for a player who is far from a guaranteed success at Parkhead makes very little sense. Maybe that changes later in the window. Right now, though, the pieces simply don’t fit.