Marvin Compper

Celtic would be signing a player of "some pedigree" if they complete a deal for Marvin Compper, according to German football journalist Raphael Honigstein.

Compper has played only twice for RB Leipzig this season, due to the form of the club's younger players.

"Marvin Compper is one of those centre-backs you don't see a lot during the game, he tends to solve problems before they arrive," Honigstein said.

"He's not one for thunderous tackles, but smart positioning."

Compper flew into Scotland on Tuesday ahead of his expected move to Celtic Park, subject to successfully completing a medical.

He was a key figure for Leipzig as they earned promotion to the Bundesliga in 2016, and then qualified for the Champions League in their first season in the top flight.

"Leipzig have had a very strong policy of not signing anyone under 25 but they made a huge exception for him because [Leipzig director of sport] Ralf Rangnick believed his experience was necessary to take them up to the Bundesliga," said Honigstein, who is a regular pundit on Five Live's Euro Leagues Football Show.

"He was brought up on Ralf Rangnick football at Hoffenheim, so very quick transitions, he's used to the players in front of him pressing and quick, vertical football, but also opposition teams sending balls over the top, he's very good at being in the right space and dealing with these situations.

"Dayot Upamecano [Leipzig defender] has been fantastic since coming up, Ralf Rangnick keeps saying he should be in the French national team.

"[Compper] has just lost his position to younger, more agile players. Even the captain [Willi Orban] has found himself on the sidelines because Ibrahima Konate and Upamecano have struck up such a good partnership.

"He's at an age where he doesn't get any benefit from sitting on the bench, so I can understand why he's taking the opportunity to be a starter in a team that's going to win titles."

Celtic have moved swiftly to try to sign Compper - who has a contract at Leipzig until 2019. One season at Fiorentina apart, the defender has spent his entire career in Germany, but Honigstein says a move abroad makes sense at this time in his career.

"I don't think there were other clubs chasing his signature, but Bundesliga clubs are very reluctant to make big moves in the winter, they prefer to move early in March and August for summer signings," he said.

"The number of clubs who want an experienced, ready-made centre-back who doesn't represent a lot of value going forward as an asset is limited.

"But his football education is very much about being very quick, very technical, trying to look out for that forward ball all the time."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42415913

 

Sounds like the type of player we need, calming influence at the back and is positionally sound and can also pick a forward pass.

 

Our German imports always seem to do well (Thom and Hinkel the 2 that spring to mind) so I have high hopes for big Marv.

 

Sounds the part and still a good few years ahead of him at 32. Just pleased to have defensive reinforcements coming in and business being done early.

 

Hope he becomes a regular contributor, the key will be his adaptation to Celtic and the SPL.

 

Good experience and that calm head at the back.

 

Think this will prove to be an excellent signing.

 

It should be no problem for him. Played at a far higher level than our opposition.

 

Compper and Ajer.

Yes pleaser.

 

Jozo is going through the motions. There is a top player there.

 

Not to mention the quality players from other nations that we've signed from Bundesliga teams.

Pukki and Cha Du Ri are two that spring to mind.

 

Good transfer idea, sadly won't help in Europe-yet. We do need a ready-made player in defense. Don't want a future project.

 

Can we stick a Shadow Chemistry style on him?

 

Stick an anchor on him. Then it will boost his physical as well.

 

Hopefully one of two central defensive signings this winter.

 

Ľubomír Moravčík

Alan Thompson
Chris Sutton