By JOHN MCGARRY
Published: 07:55 EST, 12 February 2026 | Updated: 08:08 EST, 12 February 2026
Martin O'Neill has urged the Celtic board to make a move sign Marcelo Saracchi on a permanent deal.
On loan from Boca Juniors in Argentina for the duration of the season, the Uruguayan has caught the eye at left-back since moving from South America in the summer.
The 27-year-old, who netted his first Celtic goal in the dramatic win over Livingston on Wednesday, has shown himself to be a worthy replacement for Kieran Tierney whenever the Scot has been unavailable.
And while Celtic don’t have an option to buy Saracchi when the current arrangement ends, O’Neill feels the full-back has already shown enough for the club’s hierarchy to get round the negotiating table.
Marcelo Saracchi (right) celebrates with his team-mates after putting Celtic ahead against Livingston
‘Yeah, I think they should try,’ he said.
‘I think Kieran Tierney is playing brilliantly for us at this moment - back to the Kieran Tierney that Arsenal ended up buying. He’s doing really well.
‘But this little lad scored the goal for us. He’s a strange character; I’ve called him “Manuel” from Fawlty Towers because he hasn’t a clue what I’m saying to him!
‘He just says “yes” to everything. But yeah, I think the club should be looking at something like that.’