Amid the hunt for a new ‘number 9’, interim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill was spotted at Fir Park, fuelling speculations over a potential move for high-flying Motherwell ace Tawanda Maswanhise. According to The Scottish Sun, the fans are convinced that the Zimbabwean attacker has emerged as a prime target this month.
However, the Hoops have yet to approach Well for Maswanhise, as revealed by Jens Berthel Askou.
“Am I calm about it? Yeah. There was also interest in our players in the last window. That interest has been growing and will hopefully grow until we find the right moment with the player to move them on. That moment is NOT now.”
The gaffer also insisted that they are under no pressure to let their prized asset depart.
The 23-year-old Zimbabwe international progressed through the academy ranks of Leicester City before making his senior debut in an FA Cup fixture against Millwall a couple of years ago. But he was released by the Foxes by the end of the 2023-24 season, thus forcing him to go on trial at several clubs to pursue his career.
Motherwell handed him an opportunity on a short-term deal, and the youngster made it count with his flair and finesse on the flanks. They tied him down on a longer contract, and his current form suggests that he is destined to flourish at a higher level in the near future.
Why Celtic Should Explore A Move For The Versatile Attacker
Maswanhise is in red-hot form with 15 goals and 2 assists in 27 appearances [stats via Transfermarket] so far this season across competitions. Predominantly a right-sided forward, he has proven his versatility high up the pitch. Askou has often deployed him as a centre-forward in his 4-1-3-2 formation, and his flexibility up top would boost the Bhoys, who are desperate for attacking reinforcements, having missed out on several prime targets in the recent past.
Celtic have been tracking several strikers, with the names of Callum Wilson, Franko Kovačević, Joel Piroe and David Datro Fofana doing the rounds in the rumour mills. FC Basel winger Philip Otele has also been shortlisted, but they could miss out on them, considering interest from other suitors with a bigger profile and paycheck.
Maswanhise, on the other hand, could be viewed as an alternative for his experience and expertise in Scottish football. He holds all the traits of a modern-day forward, and the Celts would find any potential deal less complicated if they step up the hunt before the window is slammed shut.
