Although the season is not over yet, the Hoops’ dreadful title defence led to Neil Lennon’s Parkhead exit earlier this year. Interim chief John Kennedy is aiming Scottish Cup glory to salvage something from this disastrous campaign, but the board are already in advanced talks with Eddie Howe over the prestigious managerial role at Parkhead. If the report from The Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Celtic might target Josh King to honour the recommendation of Howe during the summer window.
The Norwegian attacker completed a winter move to Everton from Bournemouth but has failed to stake a claim in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. He spent five successive seasons in Premier League before going down last year and has 48 top-flight goals to his name in 173 appearances under Howe’s tutelage.
However, the 29-year-old is now a sporadic option at Goodison Park behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. The former Manchester United prodigy could not make his mark at Old Trafford but enjoyed his most productive spell at Dean Court in the recent past. He, therefore, deserves first-team football at this stage of his career and a reunion with the Englishman would help him reclaim his form as well as confidence in the attacking third.
Why Celtic Must Rope In King
Celtic might target King to resolve their conundrum high up the pitch. Leigh Griffiths has passed his prime, whereas Albian Ajeti has mostly struggled to spearhead the attack barring a few occasions. Patryk Klimala has not done enough to cement his place in Scottish football and the gaffer is now relying on Mohamed Elyounoussi (who is on loan from Southampton) as a makeshift centre-forward option alongside hitman Odsonne Edouard.
Edouard, meanwhile, has an array of suitors across Europe’s top five leagues thanks to his stunning goal-scoring traits. Clubs are circling like vultures to secure his services and Celtic, amid monetary constraints in the wake of the pandemic, might accept a suitable offer in order to rebuild the current set-up.
King, on the other hand, holds the experience and expertise of the highest order. He is known for his versatility across the frontline and has proved his worth as a second striker, midfield attacker as well as left-winger. Howe is hailed for a beautiful brand of football and the attributes of the Norway international would only enrich the Glasgow giants irrespective of Eddie’s future beyond the upcoming summer window.
