World Cup star Dedryck Boyata to return to Premier League?
Published:
Fulham are reportedly stepping up their chase to sign Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata.
The Cottagers want to bring the Belgian back to the Premier League as boss Slavisa Jokanovic reshapes his side following promotion to the top-flight.
Boyata is now 27-years-old and has become a staple in Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side which went the entire season unbeaten in 2016/17.
But with the centre-back only having 12 months to run on his current contract, Fulham could strike a deal.
The former Manchester City youth player has Premier League experience with City but has also played a full season at Bolton Wanderers in 2011/12.
He has now matured into a man that Belgium trust to play at the heart of their defence in a World Cup finals.
Boyata has partnered Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in a three-man defence in the group stage.
Jokanovic has an exciting young team and will be fighting off advances for his starmen Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney.
But his defence is short on top-level experience with only Tim Ream and Denis Odoi as senior centre-halves in the squad.
They may look at re-signing Tomas Kalas from Chelsea and are rumoured to be interested in AC Milan’s Mateo Musacchio.
However, it’s vital you hit the ground running in the Premier League and Boyata has proved he can consistently perform on the big-stage.
Rodgers has praised his strength, pace and aggression and believes he’s added real value following his performances in Russia.
Belgium play Brazil on Friday with a place in the World Cup semi-final at stake.
But when it’s all said and done Boyata may not just be packing up from Russia, but saying his goodbyes to Scottish football as well.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
