If a recent report from CeltsAreHere is true, Celtic are weighing up a move for Ali Avila, having scouted him extensively in recent months. Despite being well-equipped high up the pitch, the Hoops could return to the market in the summer for the Querétaro star, who will soon be a free agent unless he extends his stay beyond June.
The 22-year-old Mexico U23 international progressed through the academy ranks of Monterrey and was eventually loaned out to Raya2 in the second tier of Mexican football. After limited first-team appearances at his boyhood club, Avila joined fellow top-flight outfit UNAM on loan for regular gametime. Querétaro loaned him in last summer, before making the move permanent in January for a fee of around €1.72m.
Why It Would Be A Shrewd Business By The Bhoys
The young ‘number 9’ has enjoyed a productive campaign with 6 goals in 10 Liga MX Apertura appearances for the White Roosters. Celtic scout Mark Cooper is keeping close tabs on his progress, but the likes of Standard Liege and Dynamo Kyiv could rival the Glasgow giants in the coming days.
The Hoops would either have him on a Bosman or pay a minuscule fee to Querétaro to strike a deal beforehand. But the player’s desire to pen a new deal at his current club might jeopardise any immediate swoop. There are decisions to be made at Celtic Park: recruiting Martin O’Neill’s successor and determining whether to convert Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu’s loans into permanent transfers must be on the management’s agenda to steady the ship beyond this season.
Why Celtic Might Have To Reconstruct Their Attack In Summer
Celtic parted ways with Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah last year without roping in able alternatives to spearhead their attack. They tried to minimise the damage by snapping up Kelechi Iheanacho, who was available as a free agent upon the termination of his Sevilla contract. But the persistent injury woes have prevented the Nigerian from securing a regular status.
Daizen Maeda, who has been retained against his wishes, is a shadow of his earlier self. Also, the project signings Shin Yamada and Callum Osmand have failed to make a difference due to form and fitness reasons, respectively. Yamada has already been loaned out to the German second-tier side Preußen Münster as is Johnny Kenny, who will spend the remainder of the season south of the border with Bolton Wanderers. The young Irishman has not done enough up top in limited opportunities, thus forcing the Bhoys to opt for proven names like Cvancara and Adamu, given their experience in the Bundesliga.
Iheanacho should only be handed a new contract if he proves his worth over the next three months, and the club won’t stand in Maeda’s way if he attracts interest from abroad. Osmand holds a bright future, having shown glimpses of his quality before being sidelined with a major hamstring injury. But they might welcome offers for Yamada and Kenny. Avila could be an exciting addition high up the pitch, as they must pursue his signing, regardless of converting Cvancara and Adamu loans into permanent deals.
