Kilmarnock v Celtic - Viaplay Cup - Second Round - The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers centre speaks to his backroom staff prior to kick-off in the Viaplay Cup second round match at The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park, Kilmarnock. Picture date: Sunday August 20, 2023. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xStevexWelshx 73393894
According to reports, Luke Baartman is being pursued by Celtic…
With Cape Town Spurs, the 17-year-old striker is having a breakout season. Celtic is reportedly keeping a close eye on his development.
With the hoops team severely overloaded, Brendan Rodgers has been hammering home the point that projects must wait and experienced players must be brought in. Three players signed in the summer—Marco Tilio, Maik Nawrocki, and Kwon Hyeok-Kyu—were not included in the Champions League roster. Only Nawrocki has participated in games this year; the Polish defender hasn’t been seen since August.
A non-Asian striker would be very welcome in January but it is quite a stretch to see a teenager from South Africa taking over from Kyogo Furuhashi and Oh Hyeon-Gyu while they are away on international duty.
The Sun reports:
CELTIC are on the trail of South African wonderkid Luke Baartman.
The teen Cape Town Spurs striker made his Premier Division debut against Orlando Pirates in October and the Hoops are likely to face competition for his signature, including from the Premier League.
The 17-year-old, also attracting interest from major English clubs including Leeds, celebrated his first goal a fortnight ago against Kaiser Chiefs. Baartman’s rated one of the best prospects in the country.
The South Africa Under-17s starlet is still at school, but is being tipped for a huge future in the game.
Celtic’s recruitment team have been following his progress and have had representatives at matches. Cape Town Spurs were owned by Dutch giants Ajax until 2020, and are bottom of their top flight.
Baartman would be able to participate in the Lowland League, but after three seasons, there’s little indication that the Scottish football league’s sixth division is producing players capable of making Celtic’s first squad.
