Celtic are reportedly tracking Atalanta’s Mitchel Bakker as manager Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen the left-back position this summer transfer window.
The Scottish Premiership champions have already made their first signing of the window, securing Colombian striker Camilo Duran from FK Qarabag for £6 million last week.
Duran wasted little time making an impression, netting a consolation goal on his non-competitive debut during a 4-1 friendly defeat to Sporting CP on Tuesday.
O’Neill has made clear that additional reinforcements are needed across the squad, and Bakker has now emerged as a serious option on the left side of defence.
The 26-year-old Dutch international has an impressive club pedigree, having previously represented Ajax, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayer Leverkusen before joining Atalanta in 2023.
Bakker was on the bench when Atalanta lifted the Europa League in his debut season with the Italian club, marking a notable early highlight of his time in Serie A.
However, his three years in Italy have been significantly disrupted by injury, and he managed just one appearance for Atalanta last season after a loan spell at Lille during the 2024/25 campaign.
Atalanta are understood to be open to selling the Dutchman this summer, with Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb reporting that Celtic are closely monitoring his availability.
Bakker is also attracting interest from other Serie A clubs as well as sides in the Turkish Super Lig, meaning Celtic face competition if they decide to move for the player.
O’Neill has confirmed the club are currently in talks to re-sign Marcelo Saracchi, who impressed during a loan stint at Celtic Park last season before being told he is surplus to requirements at Boca Juniors.
The 28-year-old Uruguayan has also drawn strong interest from Argentine top-flight clubs Independiente and Estudiantes, adding further urgency to Celtic’s pursuit.
Bakker’s versatility and experience at the highest level of European football make him an attractive option as Celtic look to cover multiple positions on the left flank.
With Champions League ambitions driving recruitment decisions, O’Neill will be keen to finalise business on the left side of defence sooner rather than later this window.
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