Celtic transfer news: American star Tessmann ‘targeted’ before refusing Inter, and the current state of play on new winger

Celtic are reportedly pursuing a deal for Tanner Tessmann, an American midfielder, while Brendan Rodgers and his staff are in America.

Rebalancing the midfield is one of the major issues facing Rodgers this summer, with Matt O’Riley appearing to be on his way to big money. Talks are underway to bring Paulo Bernardo back to the club, and there could be more changes, with Hyeokkyu Kwon looking for another loan to St Mirren and Tomoki Iwata another prospective exit.

So far, new names in the engine room have been difficult to come by, but the latest news from Italy is that Celtic are pursuing highly regarded USA cap Tessmann. The 22-year-old was a standout for Venezia in Serie B last season, and according to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Hoops are competing with Brentford, Torino, Parma, and Como for the midfielder.

Furthermore, he appears to have rejected a move to Inter, with his agents ‘unable to negotiate an agreement’ with the Serie A winners. Tessmann, a dynamic midfielder, contributed seven goals and three assists as Venezia nearly missed out on promotion last season. He previously played for FC Dallas and has two caps for his country, having been one of their most highly regarded talents in his youth.

Celtic fans will be able to see him in the Olympics this summer, where he will captain a young American team in Paris. Before making the move to Parkhead? Quite possibly if Di Marzio is correct.

Rodgers has also reportedly spoken with Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who we hear is a firm goal. Balikwisha has been linked with a move from Antwerp to Parkhead, and the player’s management admits the speculation is making it difficult for him to prepare ahead.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Rodgers has personally discussed a potential move with the wide man. Rennes is also tracking the 23-year-old, and his agent is believed to be personally following him. He scored an outstanding ten goals last season and now appears to be moving on.

Any move, however, may depend on freeing up space in the team, with Balikwisha’s position particularly crowded. Daizen Maeda, Luis Palma, Mikey Johnston, Nicolas Kuhn, and Yang are among the wingers competing for minutes in preseason, and starting the season with six senior wingers appears a bit excessive, especially given Rodgers’ previous worries about that section of the club.