Saracchi is an exciting signing but Celtic must be mindful of Inamura’s development | OneFootball

Celtic’s reported loan move for Uruguayan international left-back Marcelo Saracchi from Boca Juniors is an interesting move, and it seems a deal is close…

Marcelo Saracchi of Boca Juniors drives the ball during the Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2024 round of 16 second leg match between Cruzeiro and Boca Juniors at Mineirao Stadium on August 22, 2024 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

Tim Vickery, one of the most respected voices on South American football, speaking with SkySports says he has long believed Saracchi could have “been the future for Uruguayan football at left back” early in his career.

Since then, Vickery states his journey has been a mixed bag: positive spells in Turkey and Spain, but a tricky return to Boca Juniors.

Marcelo Saracchi: Celtic loan move from Boca Juniors could unlock left-back’s potential, says Tim Vickery | Football News | Sky Sports

And that last move was always going to be tough. Any player who moves from River Plate to Boca, no matter the amount of moves in-between, is always going to be under a microscope; perfection is expected every minute, every game, or fans will quickly decide who the fall guy is, and with Boca’s form being less than inspiring it can probably explain away Saracchi’s wanting to leave Argentina.

Marcelo Saracchi of Boca Juniors celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during a Torneo Apertura Betano 2025 match between Union and Boca Juniors at 15 de Abril stadium on January 29, 2025 in Santa Fe, Argentina. (Photo by Luciano Bisbal/Getty Images)

Perhaps, however, what Saracchi really needs, as Tim Vickery alluded to, is a place to feel settled, somewhere he can regain his confidence and show his potential. Where better than Celtic? The club has seen similar stories before, and perhaps we’ll see it again.

However, the deal itself is as we reported earlier today is a bit curious. Reports from Anthony Joseph suggest it is a straight loan without an option to buy.

‘UPDATE: Celtic have agreed a loan deal for Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi. It’s understood the Uruguay international is due to travel to London to undergo a medical, before finalising his move in Glasgow. As things stand, no option to buy has been agreed by the clubs.’

Initially, a loan fee plus a £2 million option to buy seemed ideal. Celtic would get a player they arguably need, Saracchi would have 12 months to settle in, and both parties could assess whether a permanent move makes sense.

Marcelo Saracchi of Boca Juniors controls the ball during a Copa de la Liga Profesional 2024 match between Newell’s Old Boys and Boca Juniors at Marcelo Bielsa Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Rosario, Argentina. (Photo by Luciano Bisbal/Getty Images)

Without an option to buy, though, the power stays with Boca. If Saracchi performs well, Celtic may be asked for more, while other clubs will also have him in the shop window. Unless the longstanding rumours about Andy Robertson are true, and he’s set to join Celtic in a Tierney-style deal next summer, the situation remains uncertain.

Hayato Inamura of Celtic Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 Jul 2025Cork SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh Ireland. Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan Shutterstock

That brings us to Hayato Inamura. The young Japanese left-back looked promising in pre-season and acquitted himself well in his debut against Livingston. Yet Rodgers left him out of the Champions League squad, suggesting he wasn’t ready to face players like Lamine Yamal. I’m not sure who in our team would be ready to face Yamal. But that aside, If Saracchi arrives, Inamura could drop to third-choice left-back, which may slow his development.

Inamura has faced a steep learning curve: new country, new position, new teammates, new manager, new system, and yet he has shown composure and technique since arriving. Would he learn more if trusted to rotate with Tierney, or is the plan to loan him out?

Franck Kessie of AL-Ahli and Hayato Inamura of Celtic FC in action during Como Cup match played between Al-Ahli and Celtic FCat Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Finding a club that mirrors Celtic’s possession-based style isn’t easy. Falkirk or Motherwell could provide playing time, but after that, he would be adapting to yet another new system, which could stall his progress. Some may worry that a promising young player could be undermined by the arrival of a new signing.

Still, there’s excitement in seeing an Uruguayan international at Celtic. Saracchi brings experience, and the potential to strengthen a position where the squad could arguably do with depth. But it is a delicate balance: integrating Saracchi while nurturing Inamura’s talent.

So far, Inamura has impressed, granted only in one competitive game, but pre-season was also encouraging. Away from home against the likes of theRangers, Hibs, and Hearts would be the true test. Yet, outside of those fixtures, there’s little to suggest he can’t cope, certainly not enough to suggest he’d be out his depth, but we must consider Europe as well of course.

Marcelo Saracchi of Boca Juniors celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during a Liga Profesional 2024 match between Boca Juniors and Godoy Cruz at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 6, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Gustavo Garello/Getty Images)

Ultimately, fans will have to trust Rodgers’ judgement. Saracchi could be a real boost for the team, but Celtic must also be mindful of Inamura’s development.

For supporters, it’s a bittersweet scenario – the thrill of a talented international arriving, tempered by the nagging thought that one with potential might be sidelined. Striking the right balance between immediate impact and long-term growth will be key if Celtic are to get the best out of our left-back options this season.

Niall J

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