Ange Postecoglou is in London with Dominic McKay as the pair continue to plan ahead for Celtic’s return to action against FC Midtjylland in The Champions League qualifiers. Postecoglou will get to work on Monday at Lennoxtown but the trip to London, aside from watching Scotland, may be seen as a trip to speak with transfer targets.
One of those names that has been linked is Charlie Wyke of Sunderland. The 28-year-old finished last season with 30-goals as The Black Cats failed to get promoted but following the play-off failure, Wyke informed the club that he would not be signing a new contract, leaving Celtic free to sign him for nothing.
England defender turned pundit Danny Mills told Football Insider that he thinks that this would be a ‘very good deal’ if Celtic can get a deal across the line.
“Without a doubt. They’re going to need as much quality as they can get. A free transfer, Ok, you may have to spend a bit more on wages but it takes a huge chunk of risk out of any sort of deal that you’re looking to put together.
“You get a proven player, a proven goalscorer and you don’t have to pay a fee upfront. Yes, I would say it would be a very, very good deal.”
One of Postecoglou’s first jobs will be to determine whether Griffiths and Bayo have futures at the club. The pair are likely to attract interest and Ange may think that he can reuse the wages more appropriately and get rid of them in the summer. The manager will likely see it as inevitable that Odsonne Edouard will depart with interest from a number of clubs in the player that has just one year remaining on his deal at Celtic Park.
Wyke has a reputation as a big target man but this season proved himself to be handy in front of goal. A lot of the goals that he scored in the 2020/21 season appeared to be from crosses, whether heading or finishing. The player would therefore suit Postecoglou’s style and if he is available on a free, Celtic should certainly consider a move.
