A Deep Dive into Celtic Target Dara O’Shea

Celtic are reportedly planning a summer transfer bid for Burnley defender Dara O’Shea as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Champions League campaign.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is keen on adding the Republic of Ireland international to his defensive lineup, seeing him as a key asset in Celtic’s quest for European success.

Player Profile:

• Name: Dara O’Shea
• Age: 25
• Current Club: Burnley
• Position: Defender
• Nationality: Irish

Background and Transfer Details:

Burnley acquired O’Shea from West Bromwich Albion for £7 million last year. Despite the substantial investment, Celtic’s preliminary inquiries indicate their serious interest, although it is clear that it would take a significant bid to lure him away from the Clarets.

Performance Overview:

In the Premier League last season, O’Shea was a consistent presence for Burnley, featuring in 33 Games, scoring three goals and providing four assists. His contributions extend beyond scoring; he also created 13 chances over the course of the season.

He maintained an 80% pass success rate and averaged four successful long balls per Game, showcasing his ability to initiate plays from the back. His defensive stats are equally impressive with a tackle success rate of 51% and winning over five duels per 90 minutes. He stands out particularly in aerial battles, with a success rate of 65%.

He made 140 recoveries last season. However, his aggressive style of play has led to five yellow cards and one red card. [FotMob]

Style of Play:

O’Shea embodies the characteristics of a traditional old-school defender—resilient, physical, and highly committed on the field. His performances have shown that he is capable of handling the pressures of top-tier Football, having held his own in the Premier League despite Burnley’s relegation.

Potential Impact at Celtic:

Bringing O’Shea to Celtic could provide a significant boost to the team’s defensive line, especially in high-stakes European matches. His physicality, aerial presence, and robust defensive play would complement Celtic’s existing squad well, potentially forming a formidable backline for the Champions League battles ahead. He seems like a player who is very similar to Carter-Vickers, and would potentially create a good partnership with the American.

CeltsAreHere Verdict:

On the face of it, he seems like he could be a good addition to the squad. However, with three years remaining on his current contract, having only joined Burnley last year for £7 million, and now possessing valuable Premier League experience, securing O’Shea would likely require Celtic to break their transfer record and offer a substantial wage package.

It’s doubtful that Burnely will be prepared to make a loss on the player this summer, especially given his CHampionship experience.

Given these factors, a move for O’Shea does not seem highly probable from a financial standpoint this summer unless Burnley are happy to break even.