Latest reports from the Scottish Sun suggests that Celtic are keeping track of Brighton and Hove Albion’s striker Aaron Connolly. The 18-year-old has been in sensational form while representing their u-23 side and has now made it to the matchday squads in the Premier League as well. However, he is still some time away from establishing himself as the regular striker as Glenn Murray, Florin Andone and Jurgen Locadia are ahead of him in the pecking order.
The same report adds that the young striker is being tracked by a host of clubs including Manchester United and Manchester City. The Irish forward has played 17 games in the Premier League 2 so far and was even named the player of the month in the league in November. This was the first instance when a Brighton player had won Premier League 2’s player of the month award.
The young prodigy made his senior team debut last season when he was just 17 as he played a few minutes in the Carabao Cup. The numbers which Connolly is hitting in the reserve squad currently, suggests that he is ready for some first team action soon.
The forward is also an u-19 Ireland international and is thought of quite highly in England. It is believed that Chris Hughton is willing to loan him in January to give him some first team action and Celtic can definitely consider making a move for him given the lack of options they have in the striker’s position.
Leigh Griffiths has decided to take some time off football to take care of his personal matters, and the club sold Moussa Dembele in the summer to French outfit Lyon. Michael Johnston was used as a makeshift striker in a few games, but it’s clear that Rodgers needs to add more competition for places in the forward department.
It is likely that Brighton would only send him on loan to Celtic Park in January. As for interest from the Manchester heavyweights, we hardly think that he would make the cut in their squad so going there on loan wouldn’t make any sense. Therefore Celtic can be a plausible option for him. However, he would likely play second fiddle to Odsonne Edouard.
The youngster is in talks about a long-term contract with the Seagulls, and there is no doubt that the club would offer him one. Sending him away to Glasgow would give him the much-needed exposure, but from a Celtic point of view, they should try to bring in a striker who can stay at the club in the long term.
The Hoops are also close to signing (The Scottish Sun) Timothy Weah on loan. So bringing Connolly and Weah might solve their short-term need of a striker but they should probably look to sign at least one long-term option in January.
