If a recent report from Tutto Mercato is believed to be true, Celtic have identified Said Hamulić as a potential replacement for Giorgos Giakoumakis. The Greek centre-forward has netted 25 goals in 50 appearances since last year’s Parkhead transfer. But the failed contract talks could see the Glasgow giants offloading him in the upcoming window.
The Dutch ‘number 9’ is not the only name on their wishlist though. South Korea’s World Cup star Cho Gue-sung remains a target, but an array of other European outfits are keeping close tabs on his situation at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Clubs from Italy, Belgium, Holland and France are also keen on Hamulić, but the Glasgow giants are the frontrunners to secure his services from Stal Mielec.
The 22-year-old attacker had his youth spells in the lower and amateur leagues of Netherlands. He joined Dainava last summer and scored 16 goals in 36 appearances for the Lithuanian side. The youngster had a couple of loan stints with Botev II and Sūduva earlier this year before joining White-blues in the Polish top flight.
Why Hamulić Could Be A Useful Option For Celtic
Meanwhile, Hamulić has maintained his scoring streak with 9 goals in 17 Ekstraklasa appearances. He has proved his worth as a targetman with his aerial as well as physical supremacy in and around the box and Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou must snap up someone with similar attributes in order to replace Giakoumakis high up the pitch.
The Bhoys do not have the best of memories from their past experience of a Polish top-tier striker. Patryk Klimala failed to leave an impression under Neil Lennon and eventually left for MLS side New York Red Bulls before Postecoglou’s appointment as Celtic chief. However, the Aussie boss has scripted a transformation with his shrewd signings and the young Dutchman should also find his feet in Scottish football as the understudy to Kyogo Furuhashi.
Kyogo has been a revelation with his flair and finesse in the attacking third. His swift movement and poaching traits make him a perfect fit for their free-flowing game, but they need a different kind of threat to grind out results in close contests. Although they have Daizen Maeda who offers flexibility across the frontline, Hamulić would offer more directness as a traditional centre-forward due to his height and physique. He might have made his move to Poland only a few months ago, yet the Celts should be able to tie him down for a reasonable fee once the window reopens in January.
