According to the latest reports from the Scottish Sun, Celtic are interested in signing Uruguayan international striker Cristhian Stuani. The reports add that the forward is rated at €7m. Stuani currently plies his trade for Spanish outfit Girona who got relegated from the La Liga.
Some English clubs, as well as Barcelona, are also said to be interested in this striker. Celtic are set to go through a significant rebuilding phase as they are going to lose quite a few players in the summer as their contracts are expiring. The Hoops might have secured ‘treble treble’, but one can expect wholesale changes to the roster.
Does Celtic need a striker?
Forward is one area where they should look to add options. Odsonne Edouard did a decent job as a striker up front, but the Frenchman often struggled with injuries. In his absence, Leigh Griffiths led the line in the first half of the season, and Oliver Burke was brought in January who led the line during the start of the year.
Burke is set to depart after his loan spell ends and one doesn’t know if Griffiths will be able to get back to his best. Therefore signing a forward is a necessity for Lennon at the moment.
Stuani had an impressive campaign as he managed 20 goals in 34 appearances for Girona this season. The forward has had spells in the Premier League and the Championship with Middlesbrough. However, he had spent most of his playing days in the La Liga where he has been a handy scorer.
What can Stuani bring to the table?
The forward isn’t blessed with too much pace, but his finishing skills and smart play in the attacking third has made him a potent striker. The 48 times Uruguayan international is a livewire in the box, and his finishing and heading skills are exceptional. He can also hold up the ball well, and he has that doggedness to his game which almost all Uruguayan players have.
Are the Hoops likely to sign him?
Given the form which he is in, he would be a top addition for the Hoops. However, the fact that he is already 32 and will cost around €7m is likely to put Celtic off. With Barcelona in the mix, they would definitely be the favourites. Therefore we don’t see Lennon going in too hard for Stuani. The club should look to sign a younger striker instead.
