David Turnbull Celtic Transfer Exit ‘Close’ Declares Cardiff Boss But Reo Hatate Injury Floated For Late Rethink

 

The midfielder looks set to be on his way to Cardiff City with the clock ticking on the window.

Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut has revealed he expects the deal for Celtic midfielder David Turnbull to be sealed before the end of the window.

The midfielder joined the Hoops in 2020 from Motherwell and has seven goals so far this season – but has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot in the last two seasons under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers having been blighted by injury. The Scotland cap now to attempt to kickstart his career in the English Championship with just six months remaining on his Parkhead contract.

Asked about the deal for the 24-year-old on deadline day – which is expected to be in the region of £2million – Bulut was optimistic that the final contract details would be ironed out with just hours left on the clock. He said: “I think everything is close to being finished. He was on the way. He should be here.”

Asked what he expected Turnbull to bring to the Welsh side, he responded: “First of all, he is coming from a big team, Celtic. He played there many years and scored many goals and gave assists.

“This was what we needed in the midfield. We have quality players in midfield, but more in defensive shape, so we need more offensive, creative players, that’s why he was one of those players we could take. 24 years old, so even for the next few years he will be good for Cardiff.”

But pundit Andy Walker reckons there could be a hasty rethink before the window closes – if Reo Hatate has suffered a major knock – with Gustaf Lagerbielke’s move to Lecce also put on ice after an injury to Cameron Carter-Vickers. Hatate picked up a knock on Asian Cup duty with Japan – and the extent of the injury has yet to become clear.

Asked on the Go Radio Football Show if Turnbull’s exit could be scuppered by the injury to key man Hatate, former Celtic star responded: “Yeah. Hatate is one of the most influential players that Celtic have. You just want him back fit, though.”

Fellow pundit Leanne Crichton argued: ‘You do have other options in there. Odin Holm, (Paolo) Bernardo – I think Turnbull will still go. I think that is more about the player and being out of things – and they will make money on him before his contract runs out.”