Football Scotland’s Mark Hendry – who has been quite accurate with his information regarding Celtic transfer’s this summer – has made contrary claims to that of Sky Sports man Anthony Joseph, who claimed that Celtic were actively looking for another centre-forward type player. These have been refuted by Football Scotland as they say that the Bhoys are happy with their current state of play in regards attackers.
Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis are the two main men Ange will rely on this season undoubtedly, with Daizen Maeda able to fill in through the centre if needed. We also have Johnny Kenny, who was impressive during the pre-season match against Wiener Viktoria; grabbing a brace and robbed of his hat-trick by big Chris Jullien.
The report says:
“Celtic are not actively hunting a new striker ahead of the new season, Football Scotland understands.
“There have been reports circulating that the Hoops are on the lookout for a new hitman to join their ranks this campaign to offer an alternative option to Kyogo and Giorgos Giakoumakis. Football Scotland understands these claims to be wide of the mark with sources making it clear the club are content with already having five registered strikers in the squad.”
One of the main issues we currently have at Celtic Park is the figure of Albian Ajeti and his massive salary. Interest in his services seem to be low right now and when combined with the aforementioned wages, it becomes a severe sticking point when trying to shift him off of the books at the club.
Although, if we were to get Albian shifted and out on-loan even somewhere it could free up money to find that third striker. As reported last night on The Celtic Star, Ryan Mmaee of Ferencvaros is picking up attention with a French publication, Homme Du Match stating that FC Tolouse are looking at bringing the player to France on a loan-to-buy agreement.
If we could get Albian out of the club somehow on a loan deal himself, Celtic could certainly try and make a pitch for Mmaee in the exact same way. With Champions League football available also, surely it would be a more attractive proposition than struggling in Ligue 1?
It is hard to say just what exactly Ange and Michael Nicholson are thinking when it comes to more additions to the squad this summer. Having already stumped up a significant outlay for new signings, it looks like we need to get more out the door before we commit to any more player registrations at Parkhead.
Paul Gillespie
