Colley could hold the key to Europa League success

Italian football pundit and agent, Salvatore Bagni, believes signing Sampdoria central defender, Omar Colley, would be a huge boost to Celtic’s European ambitions.

The Hoops have set their sights on reaching the Europa League group stages after crashing out of the Champions League last month by losing at home to Ferencvaros.

That upset was quickly followed by the recruitment of Republic of Ireland international, Shane Duffy, from Brighton on a year’s loan, which the club hope to turn into a permanent deal.

And they’ve looked to further strengthen their back line by making inquiries about Colley.

Clubs across Europe have been altered to the fact the 27-year-old Gambian international would be keen to leave Italy, news that intrigued the Hoops’ recruitment team.

Sampdoria are reported to value the 6ft 3in defender at £10-million. But, as with Duffy and Brighton, the Serie A outfit could be open to a “try-beforeyou-buy” loan.

For Bagni, who was capped 41 times by Italy and won the title with a Diego Maradonainspired Napoli in 1987, that would be the perfect arrangement for all parties.

“I think Colley would do very well for Celtic,” he said.

“It would be a big signing, especially for the European matches.

“He’ has a lot of experience, for club and country, and this would help Celtic grow in contests against teams from other countries.

“Since he arrived in Italy, Colley has matured a lot. I also followed him in Belgium when he was with Genk, and I saw the difference in his play.

“At Sampdoria, after beginning life on the substitutes’ bench, he was able to win the place as a starter and he never gave it up.

“That shows a strong character, which is essential if you are to stay at high levels in the modern game.

“Colley is the captain of his national team, so he is a player who is also used to taking responsibility.”

Bagni argues the Gambian’s attitude is matched by his ability.

He said: “Colley would certainly be suitable for the Scottish game because he has a great physique.

“He is tall, and strong in the air, so he would be a threat at all set-pieces.

“There is more to his game than that, though, because he is a player who doesn’t give possession away, and has the distribution to start moves off.

“Going from the Italian championship, which is definitely on a higher level than the Scottish one, could also help him.

“I think he could soon become one of the leaders of the team.”