Sports'Big shock', 'A gamble' - Sky Sports man reacts as Celtic target Adidas sponsored midfielder
Pundit Kevin Phillips has been reacting to rumours linking Celtic with a move for Brazilian midfielder Fernando Henrique.
The Lowdown: Henrique rumours
According to reports in Brazil, relayed by The Scottish Sun, the Hoops are plotting a winter window swoop for the versatile 20-year-old, who plies his trade with Gremio.
Parkhead representatives have reached out to find out Henrique’s availability, with his current contract running to 2024.
Henrique can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder and is already sponsored by Adidas.
The Latest: Phillips reacts
Phillips, who regularly features for Sky Sports, was asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on a possible January swoop.
This is what he had to say, believing it could be a signing with one eye on the future.
“If they sign him in January it will be with a view to him having an impact the following season.
“It is always a gamble signing a 20-year-old Brazilian. For him to come to Scotland in January, culturally it will be a big shock. How cold will it be in January?
“I don’t know about the kid though. I think it would take him a while to settle but that would be understandable. It would take time to get used to the way of life and the different style of football in Scotland.
“Celtic would not just sign him in the hope he’d be the next best thing, the next Neymar or whatever. He will clearly have ability if they are looking to sign him. It is one to keep an eye on.”
The Verdict: Midfield reinforcements needed?
Ange Postecoglou has relied heavily on the likes of Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull this season, so bolstering that department with the acquisition of Henrique could be a shrewd move.
He can play in a variety of roles and could possibly, as Phillips mentions, be given time to settle into life in Glasgow for the second half of the season ahead of a breakthrough at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
Henrique has attracted interest from the City Group recently, so securing his services could prove to be a real coup in the long run.
In other news: Frank McAvennie questions effort levels of 5 G/A Celtic ace who ‘goes missing’.
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