Since signing for Celtic in January 2019 it’s fair to say Vakoun Bayo has struggled to lay claim to a place in the Celtic squad. This summer it also looks like Celtic are looking to strengthen the forward line with recent attempts to sign West Ham’s former Basel striker Albian Ajeti and Peterborough’s Ivan Toney.

Given the current financial climate the news via Twitter from https://twitter.com/ramanbhardwajTV/status/1289680760392126464 STV’ Raman Bhardwaj that St Mirren have followed up their January interest in Bayo is one that may make a bit of sense. The STV reporter has advised:

‘St Mirren have made an approach to Celtic to sign striker Bayo. Saints made move for Bayo in Jan window.’ This after he teased supporters on social media last night advising of imminent ‘Celtic striker news’.

Bayo has scored only two goals in 16 starts for Celtic since signing and a succession of niggling injuries means the player has struggled to lay proper for foundations from which to build his Celtic career.

St Mirren’s Jim Goodwin is clearly an admirer of the player having tried to sign him at the turn of the year and it would seem to make sense for Bayo to head to Paisley and get regular first team football.

It would be a deal that would suit both parties. Bayo will get a chance to play regularly and hopefully score the goals to build up his confidence and Celtic will be able to see how he does against Scottish Premiership opponent’s week in week out before making a decision on his longer term future.

Young Celtic goalkeeper Ross Doohan looks to have signed on at Ross County for a year, although that deal was held up as the transfer of Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens took a little time to conclude. You’d assume that Celtic will be giving a similar message to Jim Goodwin and St Mirren. I’m sure they’ll be told business can be done but only when a striker comes through the door at Celtic.

With Celtic looking to play a mix of 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 formations you’d assume Neil Lennon would want a minimum of four first team strikers to call on and with Odsonne Edouard first choice and Patryk Klimala and Leigh Griffiths fighting it out for the other role, there is no scope to allow Bayo to leave without a replacement signed sealed as delivered.

This is a deal you can certainly see happening but one that may just have to wait until Celtic have the security of that fourth striker in place.

Loaning to Scottish clubs could well be an advantageous approach for Celtic this year. There are many players on the periphery of the Celtic first team who look ready to progress. With football outside the first team not guaranteed in Scotland this year and players needing to develop or risk stagnation, moves to Premiership and Championship clubs in the year ahead makes sense. Some Scottish clubs will be keen to limit their transfer fees and their contractual obligations to short term deals and Celtic will be keen to get top level exposure for players who may otherwise see little football at Celtic.

In the case of Vakoun Bayo a move to St Mirren seems a good idea for all concerned. Bagging a goal or two against our rivals along the way would be an added bonus, as the striker could well play a part in 10-in-a-row after all.

Niall J

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