(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Evan Shaw

Fri 6 March 2026 12:30, UK

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Marcelo Saracchi is “very likely” to be sold by Boca Juniors when his loan spell with Celtic concludes at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old is under contract with the Argentine giants until December 2027, but a sale is being lined up after Uruguayan sides Penarol and Nacional both chased a deal for him in the January window.

The left-back has endured an injury-hit season at Celtic Park, but he has returned to the fold in recent weeks amid the continued push to try and secure the Scottish Premiership title.

Celtic’s transfer plans for the summer are already beginning to take shape, and they now appear set to be given the chance to sign Saracchi on a permanent deal at the end of his loan spell.

Permanent Celtic deal could be on after Martin O’Neill suggestion

Saracchi has served as the understudy to Kieran Tierney amid his recovery in recent weeks, but he has still been able to contirbute effectively when called upon.

He scored a crucial goal in the Bhoys’ 2-1 win over Livingston on 11 February, which prompted Martin O’Neill to outline his desire to see the club hierarchy pursue a permanent move for him after the game, according to the Glasgow Times.

That could now become a genuine option for the Parkhead outfit ahead of next season, with Boca Juniors now increasingly likely to try and sell him this summer, according to Bolavip.

Saracchi’s agent Marcelo Tejera has revealed the interest from the pair of Uruguayan clubs, but has also emphasised that it wasn’t possible to do a deal in the middle of the season.

However, it is understood that the defender’s future is “very far away” from Boca, as he does not play any part in the plans of their current management team.

Celtic do not have the option to turn his current deal into a permanent stay at the moment, but they could yet get the chance to put money on the table for him this summer, given the clear stance from his parent club.

Marcelo Saracchi to form part of defensive rebuild for 2026-27

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Celtic will add at least one new centre-back to their group this summer, in a bid to revitalise a defence that has lacked depth at times this term.

Plans are already being put in place by the recruitment chiefs at Celtic Park to target further defensive reinforcements in the summer window, regardless of who ends up being appointed as manager.

It is expected that the Bhoys’ new man will want to oversee a significant overhaul in the squad, but Saracchi could yet form part of the new-look backline for 2026-27.

Given the interest that emerged in him from South America in January, it looks likely that Celtic would face competition for him from elsewhere.

However, it is becoming increasingly clear that a deal for Saracchi could be there for them to grab if they choose to pursue it.