Celtic might be running away with the League title and possibly even a domestic treble, but manager Brendan Rodgers is in no mood to relax. The Ulsterman wants to make the best use of the transfer window and is targeting Nigerian attacker Henry Onyekuru according to reports. In fact, Celtic’s opening bid of £1m was rejected by the Belgian club KAS Eupen who want a fee in excess of £3m.
Celtic have no shortage of goal-getters in their team. The duo of Leigh Griffiths and Mousa Dembele have been scintillating in front of goal this season, but keeping in mind the market interest in Dembele, it would be a shrewd decision to try and sign a replacement as soon as possible to ensure that the new face gets ample of acclimatising time before playing regular first team football.
Onyekuru has been in marvellous form this season and despite his tender age, he has managed 10 strikes and six assists in just 22 League appearances. Although he isn’t a striker, he offers a goal threat from the left wing.
Having joined KAS Eupen as a free agent in the summer of 2015, Onyekuru hit the ground running and managed six goals in his debut campaign to help his side achieve promotion to the top tier. Since then, he has been a key figure in his side and has played a hand in half the total goals his team has scored.
Although Eupen are still only five points clear of the bottom of the table, their star winger has attracted interest. Celtic, if they do manage to sign him, will have an extremely talent player on their roster whose resale value could well be a lot more than how much the Belgian outfit are currently asking.
Celtic have some really good wingers in their squad as Scott Sinclair, Patrick Roberts and James Forrest have performed well this season. Sinclair has been the most consistent of the trio and if Onyekuru joins the Glasgow outfit, he could well be a regular in the team.
As for the fee the Belgians are asking, well, considering how good a player he is, the Hoops should definitely make a move for the 19-year old. He will get even better and that will align with what Rodgers is trying to do at the club; seeking to take the team to another level so that they can not only sweep the domestic honours, but also challenge the heavyweights in Europe.
