Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Tue 19 May 2026 15:00, UK

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Celtic should be prioritising a permanent move for Marcelo Saracchi amid Boca Juniors’ desire to sell him quickly this summer.

Saracchi completed his season-long loan at Celtic last weekend with a key contribution to their title-winning clash against Hearts.

The Uruguayan left-back made a real impact from the bench in his final appearance for the Hoops, and the path is now clearing for them to sign him permanently.

Boca Juniors need to sell Saracchi, and he is open to joining the Premiership champions this summer after a successful temporary spell.

Celtic’s transfer plans are on hold as they aim to appoint Martin O’Neill’s successor, but they should be moving quickly to sign the Boca left-back before he is tempted elsewhere.

Celtic need to make Marcelo Saracchi move imminently as Boca await offer

Sources told Football Insider last month that Celtic were interested in signing Saracchi permanently, with a deal set to hinge on his personal stance.

New reports have stated that he is open to a permanent move to Parkhead, yet the Hoops are now stalling over talks despite Boca’s desire to get a deal done.

Argentine outlet TyC Sports have claimed that Boca are awaiting an offer from Celtic after the end of the Premiership season, and they want to complete a deal quickly to free up a foreign player slot in their squad.

Saracchi was an able deputy for Tierney throughout this season, earning plaudits for the way he slotted into the Celtic starting eleven when needed.

The Uruguayan international kick-started their title triumph against Hearts with a clever pass to Callum Osmand before he pulled the ball across goal for Daizen Maeda to make it 2-1.

He is only just coming up on 30-years-old and seems content to play second fiddle at left-back, so it clearly makes sense to accelerate a permanent move before other clubs catch wind and try to snatch him from Boca ahead of the Hoops.

Martin O’Neill has already shown Celtic why they must sign Saracchi

Interim boss O’Neill has sung Saracchi’s praises on numerous occasions over the last few months, after admitting in February that he thinks the club “should” look to sign him permanently.

One particular moment from their dressing room celebrations after the Hearts game stood out to many fans online, as a clip of O’Neill singling out Saracchi for praise from Celtic’s official media was shared around on X.

The 74-year-old was standing in the middle of the dressing room as he told the left-back to join him and pulled him in for a hug while saying: “Special character!”

His teammates produced a rapturous applause, in a clear sign that he is well appreciated by them, and so it should really be a no-brainer for Celtic to wrap up a deal for Saracchi in the coming days.