According to the French LGM, Amadou Mbengue has left Ligue 2 team Metz on a free transfer after the reputed Celtic target’s contract ended.
In 2021/22, Metz ended up between Les Girondins and Saint Etienne in the relegation zone, just above the raging, self-sustaining inferno that is Bordeaux.
The possibility to join a team like Celtic and play for a boss like Ange Postecoglou feels like an opportunity too good to pass up for a player of his calibre. The defensively-minded player is just 20 years old and needs a coach who will take him under his wing.
In LGM’s opinion, the Bundesliga is currently the most likely final destination. However, depending on how Celtic’s pursuit of Vinicius Souza, their top target in the defensive midfield position, who is valued at £8 million, plays out, that may soon change. A decision is anticipated on the alleged Ajax target in the upcoming days.
Mbengue is more accessible and cheap than the much sought-after Souza.
Mbengue nevertheless displayed flashes of the talent that has attracted the attention of scouts from Glasgow to Germany, despite the sample size being small—after all, he only started five Ligue 1 games last season.
He is a commanding figure when not in possession of the ball, a skillful ball carrier, and a smart playmaker. A player who is basically in the mould of Nir Bitton, his likely Celtic forerunner.
