With less than a month until the transfer window closes, Brendan Rodgers still has time to create his dream Celtic front line. The Scottish champions have added three new players this summer: Paulo Bernardo, Viljami Sanisalo, and Kasper Schmeichel. However, no new players have been added to the attack after Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, Luis Palma, and Daizen Maeda shared the goal scoring load last season with nine goals apiece.
In their opening game against Kilmarnock, Celtic easily found the back of the net, winning 4-0 on Sunday. Rodgers has acknowledged that they are still lacking two or three forwards, but it won’t stop him from pursuing his ideal assault, according to the Daily Record.
We examine what a potential starting lineup for Celtic’s striker position would look like with three weeks remaining in the transfer window.
Idah remains
Adam Idah, who scored nine goals in 19 games across all competitions during his productive loan season at Celtic Park last year, is expected to stay. His total includes the game-winning goal that sealed the Hoops’ league and cup double over Rangers at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup final.
After holding talks with Norwich City’s forward all summer, Celtic is keen to sign him to a long-term contract. Despite Norwich having previously turned down a £4 million bid, the defending champions are reportedly nearing completion on a deal for the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international.
In June, the midfielder was spotted on vacation with James Forrest of Celtic, and rumors have it that Norwich is waiting for an offer that is more in line with £8 million.
According to AD.nl, Southampton and the “new Messi” Celtic are in the lead to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s young player, Facundo Buonanotte, on a loan.
The Argentine international, who scored four goals in 36 games for the Premier League team the previous year, has gained a lot of notice after having a great first season in England and leading Brighton to an 11th-place result.
Carlos Tevez, the previous manager of Rosario Central, has referred to the 19-year-old as the “new Messi” and voiced his enthusiasm for the young player’s abilities. The former Manchester United forward said, “I watch football and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone play who gives me as much pleasure as Buonanotte.”
His acceleration and braking patterns make me think of Lionel Messi. He performs at a very high caliber.” A loan agreement with Buonanotte would make him an interesting addition to Celtic’s team.
Brighton and Irish sensation Celtic are supposedly vying for the signature of Mason Melia, a promising player for St Patrick’s Athletic. With his four goals in the League of Ireland, the 16-year-old has drawn attention.
Both teams are reportedly preparing to submit formal bids for the young wonder, whose signature would surely improve their prospects going forward and give Rodgers more choices up front. Melia’s ability has not gone unnoticed; rumors have it that Everton and Manchester City are also interested in signing the young player, who despite his youth has already worn the Republic of Ireland jersey at the U19 level.
In other developments, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, a left winger for Royal Antwerp, has drawn interest from Celtic. Though the young player’s injury is regarded to be more serious than first assumed, negotiations between the two clubs appear to have hit a snag, which might potentially ruin a summer transfer.
The winger scored 10 goals and provided eight assists during his stellar season in his native Belgium. He’s obviously someone to keep an eye on in the future, even if a transfer doesn’t happen this summer.
