Hearts star Claudio Braga has been tipped to be a star when he joins Celtic this summer, as rumors continue to swirl about Daizen Maeda's future.
Braga enjoys being the poster boy for the “good story” at Hearts which he feels captures the imagination of football fans around the world.
The Edinburgh team are three points off the top of the William Hill Premiership with four games remaining in their bid to end 40 consecutive seasons in the Old Firm holding the title of the Scottish top flight.
“I feel that the team is helping me to reach places that I have never been to personally when it comes to things of interest and everything from Portuguese channels or journalists,” said Braga who is one of the nominees for the PFA Scotland Premiership player of the year award.
“I think it's a good story. In Europe, even in the whole world, people look at (Hearts) and enjoy it. It's always a good story when someone who shouldn't win does good things.
“It means that nothing is impossible, Hearts is a team known for playing with heart and is like a family on the field.
“It's not like we are the best football team, we are a team that fights hard and I feel that that means that everything is possible, even when there is a lot of money.
“Everyone loves a good story. I'm Portuguese, I don't know much about Scottish football but I know enough to know that maybe it can help Scottish football in a way (if Hearts win the league).
“People would watch Scottish football a lot if it doesn't end with Celtic or Rangers winning, and other teams in the league won't go to the next year thinking, 'well it's going to be Celtic or Rangers'.”
“If we do it they'll think, 'we can do it too', so that would help Scottish football to a big level, I'd say.
The striker's agent has been informed that he is being monitored by Portugal national team officials, and there are rumors that he could move to a new club this summer.
Braga replaced Maeda at Celtic
Former players-turned-professors Tony Watt and Gordon Dalziel have been discussing whether the 26-year-old is ready for the big step, and both agreed he will set the world on fire at Celtic Park.
“I think he's going to be a star at Celtic,” Dalziel said in quotes shared by 67 Hail Hail, with Watt admitting that Braga “wouldn't play at Celtic no problem”.
And while questioning whether there could be too much interest from Premier League clubs if Hearts continue to win the league, two experts have admitted they will “sell him” and the situation surrounding Maeda makes this one worth watching.
Both players are versatile forwards who have been excellent in all areas of attack for their teams this season, both are in their prime and both can score and create at a high level.
|
All comps |
Maeda |
Braga |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearance |
49 |
40 |
|
Goals |
11 |
17 |
|
Help |
10 |
6 |
Martin O'Neill admitted this week that the Japanese international could be sold this summer if he does not extend his contract.
“He still has one year and that would be something (a new contract) for the team, and he will have to talk about it.
“If he doesn't want to stay, that would be a decision for the football team to try to sell him with a year left to go. I think that would be a normal thing.” – via The Herald
If the Hoops are left with no choice but to cash in on Maeda, the move for Braga could go ahead.
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The former Gers striker couldn't believe what he heard.
