Celtic fans will love what Uruguayan expert has said about Marcelo Saracchi
Celtic fans will be getting excited about the prospect of signing Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi following the latest insight from South American expert Tim Vickery.
The Hoops have been very busy this summer, signing the likes of Shin Yamada, Benjamin Nygren and Jahmal Simpson-Pusey – while they’ve already brought Kieran Tierney back to Parkhead.
But despite Tierney’s return, another left-back has been a major target for Brendan Rodgers after losing Greg Taylor to PAOK.
According to BBC Sport, Celtic are on the verge of bringing Saracchi in on loan from Boca Juniors – while Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s permanent move is also nearing completion.
Celtic given exciting Marcelo Saracchi verdict
Saracchi will offer plenty of experience for Celtic following a career that’s seen him play in Turkey, Spain, Germany and his native Uruguay — alongside representing the two biggest Argentine giants in River Plate and Boca Juniors.
The nine-time international has struggled to find a consistent home over the last few years, but South American expert Vickery has given a very optimistic prediction of how his move to Parkhead could go — thanks to his attacking qualities.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Danubio FC | 57 | 3 | 8 |
| Boca Juniors | 52 | 4 | 5 |
| Galatasaray | 44 | 2 | 6 |
| Levante | 35 | 0 | 1 |
| River Plate | 30 | 1 | 2 |
| RB Leipzig | 27 | 1 | 1 |
| Uruguay | 9 | 0 | 0 |
“I saw a lot of him on the way up. He’s a, he’s a stocky little left back, very, very quick. And when he first came through, I had immense hopes for this player, real hopes,” Vickery told Sky Sports of Saracchi (26 August).
“I thought he was the future of Uruguay at left back. And I thought he was on for a brilliant career, and so far, it’s proved a little bit of a disappointment.
“So he’s been through Germany without doing a great deal, Turkey a little bit more, a little bit in Spain, and then back to Argentina. So he’s bounced around.
“I think what he perhaps needs in his career is a bit of stability.
“But as an attacking left back, I think there’s plenty that Celtic can get out of him, especially because, you know, he’s clearly, he’s in a league where Celtic can never be on the front foot for the vast majority of the time.”
What role could Marcelo Saracchi play at Celtic?
Football Insider verdict
As a loan player, Saracchi is going to have to work hard to get minutes ahead of Tierney at Parkhead. However, there is a niche for the Uruguayan to fill.
As Vickery mentioned, the 27-year-old is quick, explosive and very attack-minded — averaging 1.35 chances created and 1.13 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2024 Liga Profesional (FotMob).
Tierney, on the other hand, is a brilliant all-rounder, primarily focusing on shutting down opposition wingers, but also well capable of bursts forward when required — while also having experience as a third centre-back for Scotland.
In games where Celtic are going to dominate possession, or when the Hoops are desperately chasing a goal, Rodgers can call on Saracchi to bring chaos and intensity to the table. And when a steadier defensive mind is needed — against a European giant should they reach the Champions League group stage, for example — Tierney can be the man.
As a loan signing, this is a low-risk move for Celtic, but one that could arm Brendan Rodgers with the tools to make his left side hell for any kind of opponent.