According to the reports from Stoke Sentinel, Celtic are not showing as keen an interest as Rangers to sign Stoke City’s striker Tyrese Campbell. The striker has been linked with both the Glaswegian giants in the past few weeks. The English forward is in the last few months of his contract, and he could be available on a free transfer in the summer.
Stoke boss wants to keep Campbell
Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill is keen on getting Campbell on a new contract. The versatile forward has struggled for game time this season, but he has played the full 90 minutes in the last two games. Campbell has scored twice and assisted one goal in that phase.
The Stoke boss recently said, ”He’s in the team, and I’ve made it very clear to him that I see his future here at Stoke City. The club have been in discussions with his representatives, and the club wants him to stay as well. I suppose it’s a case of whether we can get that deal done. For him, the most important thing is to go somewhere or be somewhere where he’s going to the best opportunity to play, and I genuinely believe that’s here at Stoke City.”
Why are Celtic showing less interest in Campbell?
We believe that with the arrival of Patryk Klimala, Celtic are unlikely to pursue another striker in this window. However, they can get Campbell on a pre-contract agreement which could see him move to Parkhead in the summer on a free transfer.
Lennon had indicated recently that he would look to add more players in this window. The Bhoys have struggled upfront when it has come to options beyond Odsonne Edouard. Leigh Griffiths hasn’t been the same in the past year as he has struggled with form and injuries. Vakoun Issouf Bayo looks a bit undercooked to play for a club like Celtic, and he might need some experience under his belt to thrive at this level. It still remains to be seen how Klimala would go about his business.
Why is Campbell worth considering?
Campbell is a strong and pacy forward who can even play on the flanks. He is still a bit raw and is trying to establish himself at the top level. The 20-year-old is an England u-20 international and has played for the Three Lions at various youth level.
However, the jury is still out on whether he could deliver for the senior team. The fact that he is available on a cut-price deal because of his contract situation makes him a viable option, and Celtic could consider moving in for him. However, Stoke seems to be keen to get him signed up soon.
