Celtic are looking to bring some attacking reinforcements into the building, and a fresh update on their hunt for a centre-forward has entered the public domain, courtesy of journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Celtic’s state of play in their pursuit of a striker
The Bhoys find themselves in the hunt for another striker after losing Kyogo Furuhashi’s services in January, which led to Daizen Maeda taking on a prominent role through the middle alongside Adam Idah.
Johnny Kenny is another offensive option, and Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he wants the Irishman to sign a new contract at Parkhead before determining whether he will go out on loan or be part of the first-team picture this term.
He explained after his side defeated Cork City last week: “We would like to sign him to a new deal. And then we will see what path it takes, whether he stays or whether he needs to go and get games.”
Callum Osmand arrived for nominal compensation from Fulham earlier in the window. Nevertheless, Celtic have Napoli’s Giuseppe Ambrosino on their radar to fill the void following his encouraging displays at the Under-21 European Championships.
Furthermore, Shin Yamada is expected to join the Bhoys from Kawasaki Frontale after both clubs agreed on a transfer fee of £1.5 million for the Japan international.
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With plenty of potential options to choose from, you do wonder whether Celtic’s wish for quantity is a systematic ploy from Rodgers to ensure he has variety in the final third, which lacked towards the end of last term due to a shortage of recognised strikers. Either way, they could now be set to step up their hunt for a new centre-forward with the competitive campaign now only weeks away.
Celtic set to escalate hunt for a new striker
According to Football Insider’s O’Rourke, Celtic could look to sign two strikers this summer to complement Rodgers’ attack amid their potential loan pursuit of Italy Under-21 international Ambrosino.
He stated: “It would be a gamble, bringing such a young player to a new league if Celtic were to pursue his signature. Ambrosino is a young player, who’s obviously got big potential as well.
“He’s a player that Celtic could develop and give minutes to, but I think Brendan Rodgers will also be looking to bring in a big-name striker signing as well. I fully expect, from what my sources are telling me for Celtic to sign two strikers, a big name and a younger one they can develop.”
Whether Yamada and Ambrosino is the plan remains to be seen amid a groundswell of names being linked to the club over the past few weeks.
Given the Bhoys are edging closer to the start of the league campaign, supporters may not have to wait too long to find out who could be competing for a place in their starting XI.
