Why it makes sense
For the club
It has Celtic signing written all over it. He is a raw, young player from a country not particularly noted for their football heritage (so he’s cheap) – but he has plenty of talent and could be considered one of the bright young prospects in Europe if everything goes right for him. It’s exactly the way Celtic have worked in the transfer market the last few years and it has been plenty profitable for the club.
From a football point of view everybody will look at the player as the direct replacement for Victor Wanyama. He’s a defensive midfielder who, similar to his predecessor, is tall, comfortable in possession and can strike the ball well from outside the penalty area. His height in particular should come in handy for giving the Celtic another means of winning the aerial battle from opposing goalkeeper kick-outs which will then help launch attacks. His lanky legs can also make him an excellent tackler, able to nick the ball even when coming in from behind on opponents.
The money being paid is another good reason. Seven hundred thousand pounds, even in the precarious world of Scottish football, does not represent much of a gamble on the part of Celtic. It will be easy enough to write this transfer off should it not work out.
For the player
He must be aware of the trend that is beginning at Celtic Park. Play at a level where you have greater chance at regular first team football, but still have your performances beamed live around the world by Sky Sports and get the chance to (possibly) impress in the Champions League (proper). Plus he’s coming from a mid-table Israeli side to a club that will win a league title and most likely a domestic cup competition. It will be great for a player so young to have the experience of success and get a taste for what is required to win trophies. You also have to expect that he’s adding significantly to his weekly wage packet by making this move.
Why it doesn’t
For the player
He twice trialled with Manchester City so you could say that he could make a direct avenue into the English Premier League if he remains patient. The club are wanting to cash in right now in fear of losing the player for nothing but he doesn’t have to agree to such a deal. In terms of landing the best deal possible it is often better to wait for a contract to run out. The club can pay more wages without the transfer fee and more clubs can enter the bidding.
For the club
When Celtic fans wanted their money reinvested back into the team after the sale of Wanyama and Garry Hooper this is not what they had in mind. Biton has bags of potential and will probably one day be a quality player but he still looks very raw to be a star, in the same manner Wanyama was, at Champions League level.
What also sets the former Celtic midfielder apart last year was his ability to be physical and battle it out as well as being calm and collected on the football. Biton may be 6ft 5in but he is not built in the same sturdy manner with quite a slim frame. Again, he can bulk out and truly realise his potential but this will not happen in the current champions league campaign.
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