Parma implosion could give Celtic chance to recruit Wanyama sibling
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Few people in football will have taken much pleasure from Parma’s much-publicised implosion though Celtic could be among those to offer an escape route for at least one of their big-name stars.
McDonald Mariga came as close as you can get to a Premier League move without actually sealing the deal.
Back in January 2010, then-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini had set his sights on bringing the Kenyan to the Etihad only for work permit issues to prevent the £7m deal from happening.
Mariga would ultimately move to Mancini’s previous club Inter Milan at the start of the following month but struggled for game time in the side, featuring just 21 times over a four-year stay.
Despite this he stayed sharp with loan spells at Real Sociedad and Parma, who had kept a stake in the player as part of a co-ownership agreement.
He eventually moved back to Parma last summer but with the club in financial dire straits it would appear that that reunion may be short-lived.
Still only 27 and highly-rated as a defensive midfielder, Mariga would be a bargain acquisition for any British club and Celtic would be wise to move quickly with regards the Kenyan.
The player himself would probably not need much convincing to sign with the Parkhead club, having seen the effect a stint at Celtic had on his brother’s career.
Victor Wanyama is the youngest of four footballing brothers including McDonald and won universal acclaim for his performances during a two-year stay with the Hoops.
Celtic were previously in the market for a defensive midfielder of Mariga’s ilk, having come close to landing free agent Lassana Diarra.
And with the Serie A star a younger, fresher option, Parma and football’s loss could yet end up being Celtic and Mariga’s gain.
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