Latest reports from the Daily Record conveys that Celtic scouts attended the Champions League encounter between Red Star Belgrade and Napoli. The reports suggest that the Hoops were much more interested in Red Star players as Napoli players would be out of bounds for a club like Celtic. The Bhoys are more likely to tap someone from the Serbian market, and it’s just speculation from our side that the scouts could be tracking 24-year-old forward Milan Pavkov.
The Hoops sold Moussa Dembele on the last day of the transfer window. Therefore they can be expected to go after a striker. Thereby Pavkov could be one of the possible players the Hoops could be keeping track of at the moment. Last season, the forward managed 23 goals in 33 league games and the scouts around the world would have certainly noticed him after the Serbian did so well for his side.
Red Star signed him last season only from Serbian outfit Radnički Niš, and he was sent back to the club on loan for the whole year. After his impressive performance, the Serbian heavyweights decided to include him in the squad this season. So far he has managed three goals in 4 league games.
Pavkov stands tall at 6ft4inches and his strength on the ball and ability to protect it is one of his standout features. His scoring stats suggest that he isn’t too shoddy when it comes to finishing and the Serbian also has an eye for some spectacular goals.
Celtic’s record signing Odsonne Edouard has struggled with injuries, and since his comeback, he hasn’t been at his best. However, it’s still early days in the season, and he can go on to get back to regain his form. The only other strike option for Rodgers is Leigh Griffiths.
Pavkov was signed for a fee of €300,000. Therefore we expect the price of the striker to be well in means of the Hoops. The forward was also signed on just a two year deal out of which he spent one year on loan with his former club. So, therefore, he is in the final year of his contract now, and maybe an offer of around €1m would be enough for the Serbian club to sell him. However, given his goal scoring form, the striker could be offered a new deal by his current club.
The forward hasn’t played any football outside of his home country and is yet to be capped at any level for his national side Serbia. So there can be some doubts whether he would succeed in the Scottish Premiership. However, from what we have seen, he would do decently if the striker adjusts well and showcases a willingness to learn.
The 24-year-old is an absolute powerhouse in the box and is strong in the air. Pavkov packs a punch with his right foot, and the forward has been on set-piece duties for his side. To go with all that, he has that natural striker’s instinct in the box therefore for €1m odd million, we believe, Rodgers can take a punt on him later on in January.
