Celtic are in the market for a central defender this summer and they have shown interest in an Austria international currently involved at EURO 2024.
Over the last few days, Salernitana’s Flavius Daniliuc has become a hot topic among supporters following reports that Brendan Rodgers has ‘concrete interest’ in bringing the 23-year-old to Parkhead.
Spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Red Bull Salzburg, he is reportedly wanted by the Admiral Bundesliga outfit on a permanent deal, so it remains to be seen what happens on that front.
Combining his exploits for both clubs in 2023/24, Daniliuc featured 27 times in all competitions, registering three assists in total [Transfermarkt].
With rumours swirling over prospective Celtic transfer activity, new insight has come to light regarding what he could offer in the event the defender ends up at Parkhead.
Flavius Daniliuc and what he could provide at Celtic
Speaking to The Celtic Way, ex-Austria and Heart of Midlothian man Thomas Flogel has given some insight on why Daniliuc could be a good fit for Celtic under Rodgers’ stewardship.
He stated: “If he chose to go to Celtic he would be a good fit for Brendan Rodgers’ team. I think he would suit Celtic’s style from what I have seen of the way the team plays under Rodgers. Daniliuc is very fit, and he is a fast, physical and athletic player. I reckon this is the season where he has to take a step forward, progress and develop his career and fulfil all the potential that he showed as a youngster.
“He is an excellent player who will get game time for Austria during Euro 2024 in Germany. If he performs well in that tournament then it won’t just be Celtic who will be looking at him and casting admiring glances. If he decided to sign for Celtic then this could be a great career move for Daniliuc and it could well suit both parties.”
You get the impression that Daniliuc has all the requisite talent to reach a high level but needs to find a stable home to showcase his abilities after spending time with Bayern Munich’s second string and Nice before his involvement with Salernitana and Salzburg.
Per Fotmob, the Vienna-born man averaged around 1.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 4.7 ball recoveries in the Austrian top-flight last term, lending credence to the idea that he could be a solid partner beside Cameron Carter-Vickers.
However, football doesn’t work on ideals. Salzburg’s interest could throw a spanner in the works if he decides staying in his homeland is the best course of action to further his career.
Nevertheless, Celtic can offer the carrot of guaranteed involvement in the Champions League’s league phase; meanwhile, his loan club need to navigate two qualifiers, which should give the Bhoys a platform to sell themselves as an exciting alternative.