After months of pursuit, it seems that Celtic might finally manage to have their hands on the highly-rated Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru. As per reports, the forward has been given the green light to make a summer switch to the Scottish side.
Brendan Rodgers had tried signing the forward last month but failed in his attempt as the Belgian club KAS Eupen knocked back Celtic’s bids. It was followed by Onyekuru’s surprising disappearance from the camp for three games. The 19-year-old has since then returned to his club and the Belgian side has reportedly agreed to let him join a new club at the end of the season.
Onyekuru said,
“It wasn’t easy while it lasted but I thank God it’s been resolved. An agreement was reached with Eupen that I will be allowed to move in the summer to my club of choice. For now, I remain with Eupen until the end of the season.”
The club has also released a statement accepting an apology for his disappearance. It read,
“Before the session on Friday, the young Nigerian apologised to the staff and team for his absence. The team discussed the subject and decided to accept Henry’s apology.”
The unusual and partial treatment enjoyed by the player at his current club is justifiable to a certain extent. The striker has been in marvellous form this season and despite his tender age, he has managed 13 strikes and six assists in just 24 League appearances. A winger by nature, Onyekuru is well adept in the forward’s role and is on a different level in comparison to other players at the club. Eupen hasn’t had the best of campaigns this year with the club sitting in the 13th position in the Julien pro-League and there is no way they could hold on to the ambitious forward.
Celtic currently are more than self-sufficient and are by far the best club in the Scottish Premiership. They are atop the league table with an insurmountable 27 points lead over second-placed Aberdeen. With players like Leigh Griffiths and Mousa Dembele up front in the line-up, who have a combined 20 goals this season, Rodgers hardly needs another star in that position.
However, it indicates that Celtic’s star striker Dembele’s departure is more or less imminent next season and the Scottish giants don’t possess the financial power to hold on to him. This move is a back-up for the French star. Another huge challenge for Rodgers would be further progressing in the Champions league next season and Onyekuru could definitely help the club in achieving it.
