Former Sunderland midfielder would be a steal for Celtic
Published:
The transfer window may be closed but with several notable free agents still floating around there are still bargains to be had and Celtic could do worse than take a closer look at Sunderland misfit Cabral.
Ronny Deila was thought to be in the market for a defensive midfielder fitting the Cape Verde international’s description last month, having previously been linked with a move for former Arsenal and Chelsea battler Lassana Diarra.
Released by the Black Cats earlier this week, Cabral featured just once for the Mackems in the Premier League during his time on Wearside but came to the English top-flight with a solid reputation.
Previously on the books at Swiss side Basel, where he made over 100 appearances, the 26-year-old was a key component of the side that reached the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2013 alongside Mohamed Salah.
Eliminating Tottenham along the way, it was then-Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio who opted to sign the midfielder on a bargain free transfer in the summer of the same year.
But Cabral’s chances in the north east were dealt a serious blow after the Italian was sacked early into his time at the club with replacement Gustavo Poyet rarely giving the player an opportunity to shine.
A Swiss international alongside the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka at four different levels of youth football, Cabral had looked set to emerge as a major star in the game before his time in the Premier League.
Now free to go where he chooses, the former Basel man could do worse than look to Celtic – should any offer come in for the player – with the Bhoys able to offer the player not only the opportunity to win silverware but also the prospect of Champions League football from next term.
In the meantime, his presence in the squad could provide cover and competition during the second-half of a demanding campaign as the Bhoys go in search of silverware on four different fronts.
Cabral may have failed to set the world on fire and Sunderland but the Black Cats’ loss could be Celtic’s gain.
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