Celtic have done some early business this summer but are pursuing more deals before the window is slammed shut. Among many other names, Ladislav Almási has emerged as a target, and the Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou played it coy when asked about his reported interest in the Banik Ostrava targetman.
“No, I don’t because I get asked these questions every day and there is a new player every day. We’re still working in the background and hopefully, we’ll get some new players in.”
Said the Aussie chief (as quoted by Football Scotland) when a Czech reporter asked him to confirm or deny the rumour after the Bhoys’ 4-2 victory in a pre-season friendly against Banik. Almasi featured in that game and it remains to be seen whether the Slovak centre-forward impressed Postecoglou enough to secure a Parkhead transfer.
The 23-year-old striking sensation progressed through the academy ranks of Dunajská Streda and Senica before breaking into the latter’s senior side back in 2016. He then returned to Dunajská Streda but failed to excel in their first-team set-up. However, the loan spells with Šamorín and Petržalka helped him flourish and secure a move to Ružomberok in January 2020.
Almasi enjoyed a decent run high up the pitch which eventually saw him completing a loan to FC Akhmat Grozny. Although the deal was not made permanent by the Russians at the end of the 2020–21 season, Czech outfit Banik snapped him up last summer on a four-year contract.
Why Celtic Should Consider A Summer Move
It was a flying start for the Slovakia international in the Fortuna Liga as he fired in 16 goals in 32 league outings in his maiden campaign. The 6 ft 5 in ‘number 9’ exhibited his aerial and physical supremacy inside the box along with a great sense of positioning and poaching attributes. He is sharp with his movements, and therefore, offers a different kind of threat to what Celtic currently have in their team.
Postecoglou has been spot on with his recruitment since accepting the managerial role. Kyogo Furuhashi has been a revelation in the attacking third, and so is Giorgos Giakoumakis who has settled in quite well after a slow start to life in Scottish football.
Having said that, the gaffer is looking for depth as well as quality upon securing a berth in the Champions League group stage. Outcast Albian Ajeti should be offloaded in due time and the champions of Scotland must consider the Slovak star as a replacement for the Swiss flop given his rise in recent months.
