Celtic fans will love what Thomas Tuchel once said about Mitchel Bakker as deal 'lined up'

Celtic are reportedly weighing up an ambitious move for Atalanta defender Mitchel Bakker this transfer window.

Reports have emerged that the Hoops are keeping close tabs on the 26-year-old left-back, with the Italian club open to selling the player.

Bakker has had a successful career to date, playing for clubs such as Ajax, PSG and Bayer Leverkusen before his move to Atalanta in 2023.

As a result, the defender has worked under some of the best managers in the world, including Thomas Tuchel during his time in the French capital.

Under the current England manager, the left-back made his breakthrough into the first team, and played a handful of matches while Juan Bernat was injured.

Here, he impressed Tuchel, with Bakker proving that he can perform under pressure.

Thomas Tuchel: Mitchel Bakker has the physical qualities to keep up

Bakker would no doubt be an exciting signing for Celtic if they can get a deal over the line.

While he has fallen out of Atalanta’s first team plans in recent years, he has won numerous trophies, including a Europa League title in 2024.

He was once even a regular at PSG during the 2020-21 campaign, as he made 40 appearances in all competitions.

Despite Tuchel leaving before the 2020-21 season had started, the manager was crucial in his development.

Speaking about Bakker on 1 August 2020, he told Vandaag Inside: "I really hope so, but I am very satisfied with Mitchel.

"He has the physical qualities to keep up. It is not easy for him because there is a lot of pressure. We always have to win, but he is showing that he can do it."

Therefore, if TuttoMercatoWeb’s report is correct, and if Celtic do eventually sign the defender, these comments will no doubt excite the fanbase.

The defender is clearly a talented player, and he may be able to finally rekindle his form under Martin O’Neill during the 2026-27 campaign.

Who else are Celtic looking to sign this summer?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Radek Vitek is keen to leave Manchester United this summer amid strong interest from Celtic.

The Hoops are hoping to bring in the goalkeeper to become their number one of the 2026-27 season.

Vitek impressed on loan to Bristol City last campaign, and sources have indicated that he wants to continue to have regular minutes in the upcoming season.

The goalkeeper kept 12 clean sheets for Bristol City last season and secured a clean sweep at the club’s end-of-season awards night.