Celtic's chances of signing Marcelo Saracchi just got bigger after manager agreement
Celtic have agreed to appoint Martin O'Neill as their new permanent manager and that suggests a move for Marcelo Saracchi will surely be made a priority.
Saracchi completed his season-long loan at Celtic last month 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, but is yet to join the club permanently.
Boca Juniors do need to sell Saracchi, and he is open to joining the Premiership champions this summer after a successful temporary spell.
The Hoops' own struggles have seen a permanent move become uncertain, but O'Neill's imminent return should mean that Saracchi is soon back at Parkhead, given the close relationship they share.
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.
Saracchi was an able deputy for Kieran Tierney throughout this season, earning plaudits for the way he slotted into the Celtic starting eleven when needed.
O'Neill is now set to be appointed as Celtic's permanent boss after a successful interim spell, and his previous quotes about the Uruguayan point to a deal getting done as soon as possible.
After being asked if he felt Saracchi had earned a permanent move to Celtic in February, he said: "Yeah, I think they will bring Saracchi to the club permanently. I think they should do.
"He hasn’t a clue what I’m saying to him. Not a clue! I mean, I could be saying anything to him, and he would still say yes to it. I think the club should be looking at something like that.”
The 74-year-old clearly thinks highly of Saracchi, and given that he is set to be making the transfer decisions at Parkhead this summer, it seems pretty safe to assume that the Boca defender will soon also be returning to the club.
What else has O'Neill said about Saracchi?
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 weeks.