Marcelo Saracchi’s move to Houston Dynamo has fallen through while Arne Engels has agreed terms with West Ham and Celtic work on a deal to bring Mika Baur in as the Belgian’s replacement…
Houston no-go for Saracchi
Former Celtic defender Marcelo Saracchi has been left in limbo after his proposed move to MLS side Houston Dynamo fell through, something that raised the eyebrows of Celtic supporters who still harbour some hope he could make a dramatic full time return to Celtic Park.
The Uruguayan left back looked set to join the MLS outfit, after being slapped on the transfer list by Boca Juniors. His current club has shunned the 10 times capped Uruguayan international, so much so that he was treated very much like an outcast at the Argentine outfit.
But the Celtic double winner is now back in football limbo after Houston Dynamo pulled the plug on the deal because Boca told them they weren’t interested in their offer of £900,000 for 60 per cent of the player’s rights.
Boca Juniors looking to recoup their transfer fee
Boca are demanding at least £1.5 million for the former RB Leipzig player, which is the figure they paid La Liga outfit Levante for his signature three years ago. Basically they want nothing less than their money back
Saracchi proved a popular figure among the Celtic supporters as he contributed to our double win last season. Despite ongoing rumours of a permanent return to Glasgow, any attention soon fizzled out and the player returned to Boca much to the dismay and disappointment of the Celtic supporters, and indeed Martin O’Neill who spoke publicly about his desire to see Saracchi return to the club.
What is Celtic’s problem with signing Saracchi?
It does seem odd that we won’t stump up the nominal fee of £1.5 million for a player of great experience and fully proven quality. Now his move to Dynamo has fallen through, Celtic supporters will be hoping that the club after interest in James Penrice, and Will Ferry failed to materialise into anything significant.
Greg Taylor has also been mooted for a quick fire return, but any speculation has somewhat cooled over the last few days or so. Perhaps a loan deal for Taylor is more appealing that paying a modest transfer fee for Saracchi and of course Taylor is Scottish so that helps with the UEFA quota for this season.
Saracchi signing would be popular
We could do worse than go back around the table with Saracchi and his representatives, and thrash out a deal to bring him back to Glasgow. It would be a popular move with the manager, the dressing room and indeed the wider Celtic support.
And perhaps someone could answer this question: who is it that is saying no to bringing Saracchi back to Celtic if it isn’t the manager?
If you had a straight choice between Greg Taylor for a season or signing Marcello Saracchi which one would you go for?
Engels agrees terms with Championship side West Ham
Meanwhile it looks like Arne Engels will be away to West Ham shortly after conformation that he has agreed personal terms with the recently relegated English side. Talks are ongoing over West Ham matching Celtic’s selling price, while Celtic work on the deal to bring in the Belgian’s replacement, Mika Baur from Bundesliga newcomers SC Paderborn.
That’s according to Florian Plettenberg at Sky Sports. So it seems that Engels is set to swap the Champions League (hopefully!) for the Championship and lead the West Ham charge to bound straight back up into the Premier League.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
🚨🆕 Arne Engels has reached a verbal agreement with West Ham United.
Club-to-club negotiations with Celtic are ongoing.
At the same time, Celtic are working on a deal to sign Mika Baur from SC Paderborn. @SkySportDE 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/QU26F3fjbC
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 31, 2026
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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1 Comment
Wouldn’t say that there is much if any debate regarding the quality factor better Saracchi and Taylor whatsoever?
Saracchi wins that by some considerable distance.
But the issue still remains surrounding our 8 homegrown quota requirements, whether we like that or not?
Or are you suggesting we should look at only forming a 24 man European squad, with potentially 1 less attacking option within it, to accommodate Saracchi?
This is going to be a MoN decision taken, unless the wage demands of Saracchi are ridiculously high, with him looking for his last big contract available, within his career?
So to many unknowns in play, to be definitive upon what the actual answer is at present?
However, it’s no surprise that Engels is looking to move on, as he never really showed any real signs of his enjoyment within SPFL football imo?
Not to surprising with the effects of cheating mibs in operation, so couldn’t hold that against him?
Regardless, didn’t think a move to West ham would have been to appealing to him either, despite them being favourites for an EPL return?
So could work out well for him in the longer term all the same imo?
Still wouldn’t class Baur as his potential replacement either, even if that might seem the case in the making?
Personally I believe that the funds for Engels, should be used to see if Liam Miller could become available imo?
That would also allow for Saracchi to return to ourselves far easier, especially if his wage demands are sensible imo?
Baur could then be regarded as the replacement for Hatate?
A centre midfield consisting of the experience of Calmac and the OX, along with the extra legs of the youth in Miller and Baur, with the potential quality factor kept intact, and arguably improved upon, with more committed players?
Hopefully could make our central midfield areas function much better for next season imo?
Along with the added bonus of having the space available for Saracchi to rejoin ourselves imo?
Only a thought, but would be happy enough if it actually should become a reality?
And somehow, don’t see the money factor involved, for it not to be potentially achieved either imo?