Scottish giants Celtic eyeing move for promising PSL attacker
Scottish football giants Celtic FC are reportedly eyeing a move for a promising PSL attacker and could face competition from Premier League side Leeds United.
The 17-year-old has been the talk of the town since making his topflight debut against Orlando Pirates in October.
And despite only making a handful of senior appearances in the PSL so far this season, he has already attracted the interest of a number of teams abroad.
The promising attacker announced his arrival in the DStv Premiership when he scored in CT Spurs’ 3-2 defeat against Kaizer Chiefs two weeks ago at FNB Stadium.
With the goal, Luke Baartman, who is still in high school became the second-youngest player to score in the PSL after Mamelodi Sundowns’ Siyabonga Mabena, who is 16.
Luke Baartman is tipped to be the next big thing in SA football and the striker is the latest youngster to attract interest from overseas clubs and also get an opportunity to play in the PSL.
Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng’s stellar performances have caught the attention of a Premier League club, Wolves. He recently returned to SA after a trial with the club as he is a highly sought-after prospect.
Another player, who is reportedly wanted in Europe is Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mduduzi Shabalala as Belgium’s topflight side KVC Westerlo recently showed interest in his services.
CELTIC SCOUTING SA FORWARD LUKE BAARTMAN
Baartman, who joined CT Spurs’ first team at the start of the season has caught the attention of Celtic scouts, according to The Scottish Sun.
It is said that several teams in Europe are also after the signature of the SA junior international with Leeds United on the list.
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic, who are the Scottish Premiership champions and feature regularly in the UEFA Champions League have been following the progress of Baartman.
Celtic had their recruitment team present in CT Spurs’ recent games to watch Baartman in action.
And although the club does not view the youngster as an immediate first-team player under former Liverpool FC coach Brendan Rodgers, they recognise his immense potential.
“I don’t want to get too exuberant about him, great potential and has a great future, as long as he keeps working as hard as he can, as he’s doing at the moment,” said CT Spurs’ technical director Sean Connor most recently.
“He is a 17-year-old and we need to keep his feet on the ground. But he is a good prospect and he sniffs some goals like he did against Chiefs. My job is to keep his feet on the ground, keep him focused, and get him to the next level where I believe he can go.”
Story by Joshua Hendricks
RELATED STORY: Cape Town teenager who survived shooting set for dream debut