Celtic eyes Dutch left‑back Mitchel Bakker in €2.5 m transfer push

Dutch defender Mitchel Bakker, 26, is being closely monitored by Scottish club Celtic as he seeks a move away from Atalanta. Bakker, who joined the Italian side in July 2023, made only a handful of Serie A appearances last season after a cruciate‑ligament injury and is now deemed surplus to requirements. Atalanta have set a transfer price of about €2.5 million, with his contract running until June 2027.

Celtic are the most vocal suitor, but they face competition from clubs in Italy, Turkey and France, including Lille, Lyon and several Turkish teams. Bakker, a former Dutch Under‑21 international who has previously played for Paris Saint‑Germain, Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax, is valued for his versatility on the left flank. Negotiations are in an early stage, and the player’s preference will also influence the final destination.