Just a few days ago, reports from the Scottish Sun came out that Liverpool are set to target Celtic winger James Forrest in the summer transfer window and it was reported that the Reds were eyeing an £8m swoop for the influential winger. Given today’s market situation, that seemed like a meagre amount for a player who is in his prime and is proven at the top level.
Former Celtic and Arsenal striker John Hartson also shared similar sentiments and indicated that such amount for Forrest is laughable. He was quoted as saying (Evening Times), ”I have to say that I laughed when I saw the figures quoted for James Forrest this weekend. £8million? That might get you his big toe. Aside from the fact that the lad himself has signed a long-term deal with Celtic, the club he has been with since primary school, the money quoted for him is laughable.”
“We are not talking about a pup at 16 or 17. We are talking about a boy who has scored goals at international and Champions League level and who has blossomed into a winger who guarantees double-figure goals. The days of English clubs coming in and getting players for pennies are long gone. If Liverpool or anyone else wants him then they will have to have very deep pockets.”
Hartson is spot on with his assessment, and we don’t think Celtic would sell one of their best players for such an amount. However, it would be interesting to see how things transpire over the summer transfer window. Liverpool are reaching new heights, and Forrest might be tempted to move to the Merseyside to experience football at the top-most level.
His numbers at Parkhead are once again impressive as he has managed 11 goals and 17 assists this season. There is no doubt that Forrest has it in him to be successful in the Premier League and he should suit Liverpool’s playing style well.
However, if Liverpool are looking to lure him away, we believe they need to come up with a much better offer than £8m and somewhere close to double of the quoted amount might intrigue Celtic’s attention. Even then, the Hoops can play a waiting game as it was only in September last year that the winger signed a new long term deal so Celtic should be under no pressure to sell.
It can probably come down to what Forrest wants for himself and whether he would look for a new challenge in the upcoming season. Given Liverpool’s rise in world football, Celtic should definitely be worried as the Merseyside club is an exciting prospect for any player to join.
