Despite early jitters, Celtic have regained the top of the table spot banking on a strong run of late, but they might face a tough test while defending their league throne amid the upsurge of great rivals Rangers under Steven Gerrard’s tutelage. The Hoops did some decent business on summer deadline day but also lost star striker Moussa Dembele to Olympique Lyonnais and failed to bring in a worthy successor at short notice.
Brendan Rodgers, the Celts chief, must be eyeing to add to their firepower in winter and ease the pressure off young Frenchman Odsonne Edouard who is featuring week in week out both at home as well as abroad. The evergrowing fitness concern of Leigh Griffiths is alarming, and the gaffer should be well equipped to avoid any adversity en route to retaining their Scottish supremacy.
Recent reports claimed John Guidetti’s interest in returning to Parkhead despite being targeted by Galatasaray in the upcoming winter window. The former Manchester City forward had a successful loan stint under ex-boss Ronny Deila where he netted 15 times in 35 outings altogether but later lost his place to Griffiths who emerged as Celtic’s targetman.
But the 26-year-old once highly-rated Sweden international struggled in front of goal ever since despite spells with Celta Vigo and Deportivo Alaves with the latter not fancying him as a first-team regular despite making his loan move permanent in the summer.
Only three starts in La Liga hinted Guidetti’s days were numbered in Basque, and the player understandably wants to settle in familiar surroundings to revive his lost touch. Although his return might engender a mixed response among the supporters who would like to have someone more promising as well as prolific upfront, a short-term loan stint should be welcomed considering the dearth of quality in the winter market.
Guidetti has a strong physique, prefers to play the ball off the ground, loves to test keepers from a distance and holds all attributes to be an orthodox centre-forward who would cause enough menace on his day. A move to Celtic would also hand him a massive opportunity to oust Griffiths – someone who replaced him as the Hoops’ ‘number 9’ four years back.
But the Swedish star has been wasteful of late which is indeed alarming and might work as an obstacle against his desired move. Nevertheless, a temporary transfer should be considered unless the champions manage to find out a better alternative in due course who would fit the bill and help Celtic attain their season objectives.
