Ange Postecoglou is said to be prioritising a move for Aaron Mooy, one of his favourites from his spell as Socceroos manager, in January. Celtic are in need of adding some experience to the centre of midfield and Mooy has only featured in Internationals for Australia and not for his club in China.
The 30-year-old is currently with Shanghai Port but he is said to be keen on leaving the Chinese Super League despite the eye-watering salary that he commands, around £3m-per-year. Now, it appears that Mooy is ready to move back to Glasgow – where he is said to have a family home owing to a Scottish wife.
According to the Daily Mail, Aaron Mooy is Ange’s number 1 transfer target in January pic.twitter.com/RpErTNy2wX
— Aidan (@AidanCeItic) November 15, 2021
The central midfielder spent time with St Mirren before returning to Australia. This move to his homeland allowed him time to improve before a move to Manchester City. Despite never featuring for the English club, he impressed on loan at Huddersfield, before making the move permanent. He then moved to Brighton for £12m following The Terriers’ relegation.
The prospect of Mooy joining McGregor, Rogic and Turnbull in contention for a role in the Celtic midfield is attractive for an attacking team under Ange. Bitton and McCarthy can offer depth in defensive areas of midfield but there is a lack of a dynamic box to box midfielder if McGregor plays in a deeper role. It is pivotal that more quality is brought into the club over the next two transfer windows.
Mooy would be a good fit for Celtic as a deep lying 10 but he could not maintain the speed of Celtic’s game. He is not a fast player but passes the ball beautifully first time, does not get caught in possession and has a powerful shot outside the box. I do not think he will come to Celtic because his wages are too high at present in China and he has a young family to think of as well. He has probably 5 years of play in him. If he came to Celtic the money would have to be right. He is a professional footballer. He has a Scottish wife so he may see Celtic as a prospect to play in Britain and as a stepping stone back in to the EPL or English Championship. Playing in Europe would also be tempting as it would raise his international profile. He is a good player with a lot of experience and clever with the ball.