Jordan Lotomba set for Celtic medical as deal ‘close’ – report
Jordan Lotomba is set to travel to Glasgow for a medical as Celtic close in on a deal for the Feyenoord defender.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that the two clubs are now ironing out the final details for a permanent transfer of the 27-year-old right-back.
As a result, he has now been given permission to travel for his medical, as the Hoops hope to complete the deal on Wednesday ahead of the Europa League list deadline.
Celtic have been keen to bring in another full-back to provide cover for Alistair Johnston, who is currently injured until October.
The Switzerland international is in the last year of his contract at Feyenoord, which opened up an opportunity for the Hoops to swoop in.
If all goes through, Lotomba could make his Celtic debut on Saturday, when the Hoops take on St Mirren.
Celtic close in on Jordan Lotomba
Lotomba could easily prove to be a solid signing for Celtic this summer.
The defender is highly experienced, having previously played for Young Boys and Nice, winning three league titles at the former club.
While he has struggled to hold down a spot in the starting XI at Feyenoord, he has still been part of a highly competitive squad that qualified for the Champions League’s league stage for the current campaign.
Therefore, while Johnston is out on the sidelines, Lotomba could be an excellent replacement, with his experience in Europe likely to massively help out in the upcoming Europa League campaign.
However, it remains to be seen if Sky Sports’ report leads to Lotomba officially signing for Celtic.
How good is Lotomba?
According to Fotmob on 2 September, Lotomba was solid in the Eredivisie last season.
Overall, he averaged 1.66 tackles, 0.78 interceptions, 0.68 blocked shots, 3.22 recoveries, 3.52 clearances and 4.40 duels won, with a 56.3 per cent overall success rate per 90 minutes.
While these may not be too impressive, in the Scottish Premiership, they are bound to improve, especially as he adapts to Celtic’s style of play.
On top of this, if Martin O’Neill can help him recover his past form for Young Boys and Nice, he could prove to be a bargain.