NafisaCeltic’s summer transfer plans have suffered another crushing setback after yet another player publicly confirmed his dream of returning to Parkhead has come to nothing.
Just hours after the Hoops missed out on experienced striker Kelechi Iheanacho, another fan favourite admitted he did everything possible to seal a permanent return to Glasgow—but the move never materialised.
Left-back Marcelo Saracchi has now officially bid farewell to Celtic supporters following the end of his loan spell from Boca Juniors, bringing the curtain down on what proved to be an impressive season in green and white.
The Uruguayan made 27 appearances during his spell at Parkhead and played an important role in the move that led to Daizen Maeda’s title-clinching goal against Hearts. His performances convinced many supporters he deserved another opportunity under Martin O’Neill.
Despite the manager publicly expressing his desire to keep him, Saracchi has now revealed that neither he nor his representatives could make the transfer happen.
In an emotional message posted on his verified Instagram account, the defender wrote:
“I’m writing this to say goodbye. We had an intense, beautiful year together where we achieved so many of our goals.
“My agent and I did absolutely everything within our power to make a return to Glasgow happen. I’m truly gutted that I won’t be able to continue at the club at this stage of my career.
“However, I know our paths will cross again in the future. I wish you all nothing but the best for what’s ahead. Thank you for everything.”
His departure follows Celtic’s failure to retain Kelechi Iheanacho, with the Nigerian striker instead completing a move to Turkish side Bursaspor despite the Scottish champions’ hopes of bringing him back.
The Parkhead side have since signed Colombian striker Camilo Duran, but uncertainty remains over their attacking options with Daizen Maeda entering the final year of his contract. Defender Maik Nawrocki has also completed a permanent move to French side Lens as Celtic continue reshaping their squad.
While Celtic continue dealing with transfer frustration, Rangers appear to be gathering serious momentum across the city.
Reports from Spain suggest Nicolas Raskin is edging closer to a £17million move to Villarreal following his impressive performances for Belgium at the World Cup.
The expected sale would hand Derek McInnes a significant transfer budget, with Rangers already lining up two midfield reinforcements.
Norwegian sensation Jens Hjerto-Dahl remains one of the club’s leading targets, with reports suggesting the Tromso midfielder still favours a move to Ibrox despite interest from Besiktas and Cardiff City.
At the same time, Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic is also closing in on a switch to Glasgow after Rangers agreed a deal believed to be worth around £4million.
Partizan manager Sasa Ilic has already accepted the midfielder’s departure and paid tribute to his skipper.
He said:
“Our previous captain Vanja has now left us and I wish him all the best in his future career.
“Every coach in the world wants as many quality players as possible to increase the competition, but it depends on the possibilities and certain things within the club.
“I hope that we will bring in a few more names who will bring extra class, which is much needed after his departure.”
Should both midfield deals be completed following Raskin’s expected exit, Rangers will have turned one major departure into two significant additions as McInnes continues his ambitious rebuild ahead of the new Scottish Premiership campaign.
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