Photo by Ross Parker/ SNS Group via Getty Images

News

HomeNewsCeltic

Si Ferry orders Celtic to spend £8million on Hearts defender John Souttar, Halliday wants £12million

Will Butcher

Thu 5 August 2021 8:45, UK

that Celtic should consider signing Hearts defender John Souttar for £8million. The centre-back scored the winner on Saturday as Hearts beat Celtic 2-1 at Tynecastle. Ferry thinks he is ideal for Celtic, but Andy Halliday thinks he is worth more than £8million.

With the scoreline reading 1-1 in the final moments, 24-year-old Souttar got his head to the ball to nod home the winner with Scott Bain out of position. It was a special moment for Souttar, who has endured a horrific time with achilles injuries over the past 18 months. Now, he is back, and playing well.

The Scotland international ruptured his achilles in January 2020 and a rushed rehab meant he did the same thing in pre-season that summer. But he has played four of Hearts’ first five games – equalling his games from last season. Ferry wants him at Celtic for £8m, but Halliday wants £12m.

“He’s brilliant, Souttar. Go and sign him. See if you’re serious about winning the league this year, go and sign John Souttar. You’ve got £13.5million for Ajer, if it takes, go and get him. He’s going to be a player, I like him,”

Souttar would improve Celtic – amid Ferry and Halliday comments

But is he worth as much as Ferry – and Halliday – think he is? Of course, Halliday will say £12million given he is his Hearts teammate. Such a figure would be a club-record for Celtic. But is the £8million fee Ferry suggests realistic? Probably not, given the injuries sustained by Souttar.

If Celtic are going to go after Souttar, they would be well-advised to sit tight for at least a season. Allow Souttar to prove to all that he has put his injury demons behind him, and is fit and firing. Then, next summer, go out and spend big on him. He would improve Celtic, but he needs to prove himself.

In other Celtic news aside from Ferry and Souttar, Halliday thinks Ange Postecoglou made a mistake regarding Carl Starfelt.