Celtic’s Marcelo Saracchi had an opportunity to leave Martin O’Neill’s side in the winter market.
Saracchi received interest from two South American teams but couldn’t leave Celtic Park midway through the season.
That’s according to Bolavip, who cover both Club Nacional de Football and Club Atlético Peñarol’s interest in the Celtic player.
The Uruguay international joined the Scottish Premiership side on loan from Boca Juniors in August 2025.
He wanted to terminate his contract with the Argentine club, who had turned down his request. Two months ago, Sport Witness covered claims from South America that this led to his loan move to Celtic.
Uruguay interest in Celtic player
Saracchi’s agent Marcelo Tejera has been speaking to Minuto 1, where he confirmed the left-back had an opportunity to return to Uruguay. Bolavip have relayed his comments.
“Nacional and Peñarol were interested,” he said.
Bolavip report the two Uruguayan clubs had looked at the 27-year-old in the last window. However, Nacional and Peñarol weren’t able to take him away from O’Neill’s side. There’s no explanation provided as to why the move didn’t go through or whether Celtic blocked his exit.
The Bhoys paid a loan fee to sign him and haven’t secured a buying option. Therefore, the fullback has to return to Boca Juniors, after his loan spell at Celtic.
The outlet claims the Argentine club are ‘very likely’ to negotiate his transfer, once he returns from Celtic. However, the final decision will depend on who their manager is at the time.
Boca Juniors have appointed Claudio Úbeda as their manager, after Marcelo Gallardo left on February 26th. Úbeda’s long-term future may still need sorting out, which could impact Saracchi’s future.
Celtic man’s contract and value
The defender has played 847 minutes 19 matches in all competitions for Celtic and 283 minutes were under Rodgers.
Saracchi’s contract at Boca Juniors expires in December 2027.
Transfermarkt values him at €2m and he had a highest valuation of €14m in December 2018. His valuation has been raised by €500k since joining Celtic. Marcelo Tejera represents the player, keeping mainly to the South American market.
