There has been a raft of speculation since the weekend and Sead Hakšabanović’s position at the club has come into question after his belligerent attitude on social media after the St Johnstone game. Many think it’s the end of he road for the Montenegrin and The Celtic Star reported recently of his desire to leave the club for more regular minutes.
Sead Hakšabanović during the League Cup match between Kilmarnock FC and Celtic FC at BBSP Stadium on August 20, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
If, as is entirely possible, Sead managed to find an escape route and a club willing to offer him a different option than his current one at Celtic Park, then the manager would no doubt want a replacement. In order to maintain or even improve upon the squad depth and quality, we should move for former target Ola Solbakken if Hakšabanović does indeed depart in the coming days.
Ola Solbakken of FK Bodo/Glimt celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League group C match between AS Roma and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Olimpico on November 04, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
His club Roma have apparently put him on the transfer list and according to Romapress.net, the Serie A side would be looking for around €6 million (£5.15 million) for the Norwegian. Of course Jose Mourinho brought the wide-man to the Italian outfit on a free transfer from Bodø/Glimt in his homeland. It would be a tidy sum made on a player that no longer features in his plans, as stated by journalist, Nicolo Schira.
It has been claimed that Greek side Olympiacos are interested and have already made tentative enquires about the winger. However, if Celtic are eager to part ways with Hakšabanović then they should get his replacement in first and Solbakken should be that man. Able to play on either wing, the Nordic attacked has all the qualities and the type of profile we are sadly missing presently.
Ola Solbakken of FK Bodo/Glimt celebrates with teammates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League group C match between AS Roma and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Olimpico on November 04, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
His frame and physicality would bring something that us sorely lacking in this Celtic team at the minute and we also have first hand experience of how devastating his skillset can be when he’s in full flow. That game Bodø played against us at Parkhead they absolutely tore us to shreds and Ola was the main man on that occasion. Not to mention his versatility on either wing or through the middle as a second striker.
What a swap that would be…
Paul Gillespie
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