Celtic have already roped in three new names this winter and are searching for a ‘number 9’ before the window is slammed shut. Although they are aggressively pursuing the signing of South Korean sensation Cho Gue-sung, reports in Poland (as claimed by The Daily Record) have revealed the Hoops’ interest in Polish prodigy Szymon Wlodarczyk.
Besides Gue-sung, Ladislav Almasi and Said Hamulic are also on their radar over a potential January move. Wlodarczyk now belongs to that growing list of transfer targets but, at the same time, has also been scouted extensively by German outfit Freiburg and Belgian heavyweights Anderlecht in recent months.
The 20-year-old Poland youth international spent his youth years at various clubs including Legia Warsaw. But he could not make much of an impression for the Legionaries with no goal in 11 Ekstraklasa appearances. The Polish giants allowed him to join Górnik Zabrze on a Bosman back in the summer and his emergence has now caught the eyes of an array of European sides including the champions of Scotland.
Why Celtic Should Tie Him Down In The Winter Window
So far he has netted 7 times in 15 league appearances, and his skills as well as physicality have drawn comparison with the legendary Robert Lewandowski. He is likely to score more goals in the coming days and eventually shine in Europe with his finesse and firepower high up the pitch.
Celtic are once again flying high in the Premiership with a nine-point cushion over bitter rivals Rangers at the top of the Premiership standings. Ange Postecoglou has transformed them in no time with some smart transfer deals, also his exciting brand of free-flowing football restored the Bhoys’ reputation after a dreadful campaign under Neil Lennon.
The Aussie boss put his contacts to use and roped in Kyogo Furuhashi to spearhead their attack. The Japanese centre-forward proved to be a revelation with his scoring streak, whereas Giorgos Giakoumakis was brought in to challenge and cover the 27-year-old striking ace.
The Greek ‘number 9’ has so far offered a different kind of threat with more directness and poaching attributes. However, he is likely to part ways in due time after failing to strike a contract extension and the Celts, therefore, must find his successor who would flourish as the understudy to Kyogo. Wlodarczyk ticks many boxes to fit in Postecoglou’s long-term plans and it remains to be seen whether the Hoops step up the chase for the £4.4m-rated hitman.
