Celtic considering Slovan Bratislava striker David Strelec as Kyogo replacement

Celtic have apparently targeted a Champions League rival from this year’s competition to replace the now departed Kyogo Furuhashi…

The Japanese international striker who was revelation for Celtic since the summer of 2021 decided to seek a new footballing adventure in the French league with Rennes and was moved on earlier in the week for a fee of around £9m.

Jota
Jota rejoices in Celtic return. Photo Kenny Ramsay.

Jota returned to Celtic this week and is in the squad for Fir Park 

Jota has returned to the club in the same week but as good as he is, he is not a striker. That has left Brendan Rodgers and his recruitment staff searching for that elusive goalscoring machine who can come in and pick up where Kyogo left off. It’s not easy and the hierarchy are said to be in discussions with Mathias Kvistgaarden’s club Brondby, over potentially taking the physical attacker to Paradise this month, although the Danish side are in danger of pricing themselves out of a deal.

Mathias Kvistgaarden deal stalling over price 

The two clubs appear to be apart in terms of valuation or how the fee is to be paid, if you listen to the whispers in certain quarters. Regardless of that situation, the Hoops will need to get a move on and get that centre-forward in. A new name has now emerged in that frame besides Kvistgaarden and it’s one of the Bhoys’ European foes.

David Strelec of SK Slovan Bratislava
David Strelec of SK Slovan Bratislava battles for possession with Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern München and SK Slovan Bratislava at Football Arena Munich on January 29, 2025 in Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Slovan Bratislava striker David Strelec mentioned as an alternative 

For the Daily Record last night reported that Brendan Rodgers likes the look of Slovan Bratislava hitman, David Strelec. Celtic of course played their opening game of this year’s UEFA Champions League group phase campaign against Bratislava at Parkhead, were the Scottish Champions ran out 5-1 winners on the night in what was a special occasion for the supporters back in the Champions League big time.

David Strelec of SK Slovan Bratislava
Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich runs with the ball from David Strelec of SK Slovan Bratislava during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern München and SK Slovan Bratislava at Football Arena Munich on January 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

They state that 23-year-old Strelec, who has bagged 7 goals in 23 games for Slovakia this year, as well as netting five in the Champions League group stages and qualifiers, could be an option for Rodgers and the recruitment team. It’s claimed that Slovan would be holding out for at least £8 million for the man who scored against Atletico Madrid and Dinamo Zagreb this campaign and is seen as a cheaper alternative to the Danish striker Kvistgaarden.

Looking at other options is of course prudence and it also concentrates the minds at the selling club in Denmark.

Paul Gillespie

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I'm a Garngad Bhoy through and through. My first ever Celtic game was a friendly against Italian side Parma at Celtic Park, in 2002. Currently a student of English Literature and Education at the University of Strathclyde for my sins. Favourite game would be a toss up between beating Manchester United with that Naka freekick, or the game against the Oldco when Hesselink scored in the dying seconds. I'm still convinced Cal Mac is wasted playing that far back.

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