If a report from the Bristol World is believed to be true, Celtic sent a senior scout to keep close tabs on Antoine Semenyo over a potential summer transfer. Craig Strachan was in attendance during the Robins’ 2-1 win against Reading and the son of former Hoops boss Gordan Strachan did not leave disappointed on Wednesday night as he saw the attacker finding the net late in the first half.
The 22-year-old Englishman progressed through the youth ranks of Bristol City before joining non-league side Bath City on loan for first-team minutes. He also had his spells in the lower leagues of the English pyramid with Newport County and Sunderland. Meanwhile, the youngster earned a key status in the Robins attack from last season onwards and his emergence in recent months grabbed the attention of many including Nottingham Forest back in the winter window.
Despite multiple bids, Bristol City were able to keep hold of the centre-forward on the transfer deadline day and a fee of around £20m (including add-ons and clauses) would be demanded if the suitors decide to cash in on the striking sensation ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Why Celtic Must Monitor His Situation
Celtic are flying high after a shaky start and have gained momentum under Ange Postecoglou en route to conquering the domestic treble. They are leading the Premiership race after thrashing Rangers 3-0 at the Paradise and the majority of new signings have gelled in perfectly in no time.
The gaffer explored his contacts and influence in Japan to rope in Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda. While Furuhashi has been a revelation as Odsonne Edouard’s successor, Maeda is firing goals as well amid the injury absence of his fellow countryman. The former VVV-Venlo ‘number 9’ Giorgos Giakoumakis is also attuning to the aggression of the Scottish game overcoming fitness woes, however, the Celts might still opt for Semenyo due to his flexibility across the frontline.
Although the asking fee is far too high for the Bhoys given their financial limitations, Bristol might feel the pressure in the forthcoming future if they fail to convince their prized asset to commit his future by penning a new long-term contract. An agreement is not at all close and the attacker, with 5 goals and 7 assists so far in 18 Championship outings, must be considering his options for the next career move. Celtic are set to part ways with outcast Albian Ajeti and it remains to be seen whether they become successful to strike a deal.
