If a recent report from BBC Sport is believed to be true, Celtic have received a blow in their attempt to bring Adam Idah back on a permanent deal. Norwich City have turned down an offer of around £5m for the Republic of Ireland international, and the Norfolk-based outfit are not actively trying to sell him despite sending him out on loan to Parkhead earlier this year.
The 23-year-old attacking ace progressed through the youth setup of College Corinthians before joining Norwich. He was eventually promoted to the senior ranks but failed to make an impression with only 17 goals in 115 outings across competitions.
Nevertheless, a mid-season loan worked stupendously for all parties involved. Having been introduced as a second-half substitute, Idah netted a 90th-minute winner against Rangers en route to clinching the Scottish Cup silverware. He returned to Carrow Road after scoring 9 goals and setting up two more in 19 appearances (stats via Transfermarket) donning the Celtic colours.
Unlike Rangers, the Hoops have not bolstered the squad yet with summer signings. Two fringe wide attackers Marco Tilio and Sead Haksabanovic have left for Melbourne City (on loan) and Malmö FF (permanent). It remains to be seen whether Brendan Rodgers opts for a new winger later this window, however, he must rope in a new ‘number 1’ first to emulate Joe Hart’s influence between the sticks. The veteran Englishman called it a day following a cleansheet in the Scottish Cup final.
Why Celtic Must Step Up The Chase
While the search is on for a quality keeper, the Northern Irishman must not give up on Idah considering his impact high up the pitch. Hitman Kyogo Furuhashi was not at his best last season. Also, the future looks uncertain for Oh Hyeon-gyu who failed to make the grade in Scottish football. Daizen Maeda, Luis Palma, Nicolas Kühn and James Forrest have been deployed from the flanks and the Bhoys, therefore, should snap up an outright ‘number 9’ to bolster their frontline.
The Canaries have appointed Johannes Hoff Thorup as their new chief. The Danish boss is eager to work with all the players available for the pre-season training, including Idah, whose spell at Celtic Park could rather boost his place in the current squad. Norwich are desperate to reclaim Premier League status whereas the Hoops must focus on improving their dreadful European form. The Irishman can’t be a part of both, but his Carrow Road contract till 2028 puts the Championship side in the driver’s seat while negotiating with the Glasgow giants.
