If a report from the Mirror is believed to be true, Celtic are keen on young Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo over a potential summer swoop. But they are not alone in the hunt as Premier League heavyweights West Ham United are also keeping close tabs on the in-form Championship attacker.
A report from Bristol World revealed the Hoops’ interest a couple of weeks back. Senior scout Craig Strachan (the son of former boss Gordan Strachan) was in attendance during the Robins’ 2-1 win against Reading and the Celtic representative left Ashton Gate on a positive note as he saw Semenyo finding the net late in the first half.
The 22-year-old Chelsea-born centre-forward progressed through the academy ranks of Bristol City before breaking into their senior side back in 2018. The club decided to ship him elsewhere on loan for first-team experience and the spells with Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland in the lower leagues helped him grow his game. He eventually earned a regular status in Bristol colours since last season.
Although he has been deployed across the frontline, the central role suits him the most given his numbers so far this term. Semenyo, who idolizes Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba, has fired in 6 goals and laid on 8 more in 21 league appearances and is dreaming of Premier League football as revealed in an interview with Sky Sports (as claimed by the Mirror).
Why Celtic Might Find It Difficult To Rope In Semenyo
Celtic are not blessed to spend millions due to the financial limitations north of the border, unlike the Hammers who can easily afford the £15m asking fee for the Robins striking sensation. Moreover, the East Londoners are over-reliant on Michail Antonio high up the pitch and the addition of Semenyo would offer flexibility, depth as well as quality.
Antonio, too, had a similar career roadmap as he joined the Irons from second-tier Nottingham Forest almost seven years ago and the Bristol City youngster might follow the similar footsteps if a transfer takes place in the forthcoming future.
Celtic, meanwhile, are well quipped high up the pitch. Little-known Kyogo Furuhashi has been a revelation as Odsonne Edouard’s successor, whereas the likes of Daizen Maeda and Giorgos Giakoumakis are also scoring goals amid Furuhashi’s injury absence. Albian Ajeti is surplus to requirements at Parkhead and the Bhoys would welcome offers for the Swiss ‘number 9’ who failed to find a suitor during the winter window.
Having said that, Ange Postecoglou would aim for greater glory after a swift and successful transition since succeeding Neil Lennon as the Hoops boss. They now have ample options all over the pitch, yet the signing of the Englishman would be a statement of intent from the Glasgow giants.
