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It is surely fair to say that Diego Laxalt has been a shining light in what has, so far, been an underwhelming season for Celtic.
The deal to sign the Uruguayan on loan in the summer looks to have been inspired. And the Hoops deserve plenty of credit for reportedly agreeing a clause that opens the door for a potential permanent move.
, the Bhoys can sign the 27-year-old for £9 million.
Interestingly, more recent reports would suggest that Celtic are now considering triggering the clause before the end of the season.
, the Hoops want to sign Laxalt permanently during the January transfer window.
It would be a big statement for Celtic to make Laxalt’s move permanent so swiftly. But given that they seemingly have the option to wait until the summer before triggering the clause, perhaps it would be reasonable to suggest that it is actually a gamble to move in January.
Laxalt has been excellent. But he has been impressive in a Celtic side that has come in for so much criticism in recent months.
He perhaps still needs to prove that he can step his game up when the rest of the side are playing much better.
In fairness to Laxalt, you would back him currently to step up when the team do. But Celtic arguably need more evidence if they are going to part with £9 million.
Neil Lennon’s future should also come into the equation. Lennon is coming under a lot of pressure from the fans right now. And while Celtic are yet to lose faith in the manager, their current form surely cannot continue much longer.
The Hoops could potentially be working under a new boss in January or shortly after. And that may have an impact on Laxalt depending on whether he can replicate his current form under a different manager who will have different ideas and plans.
Laxalt deserves credit for his form so far. And there is every reason to think that he could be good value for money at £9 million in the future.
However, with so much uncertainty surrounding Celtic right now, they would surely be wise to wait until the summer before they commit to such a significant outlay.