Celtic will return from their pre-season camp in Portugal and could now be set to announce an imminent signing to strengthen their forward line amid recent developments.
Celtic's hunt for a striker to challenge existing options goes on
Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny are currently Celtic’s senior options to lead the line for the coming season, while Callum Osmand’s arrival on a free transfer from Fulham has introduced another competitor for minutes at Parkhead.
Despite Brendan Rodgers potentially sending Irish striker Kenny out on loan, the former Shamrock Rovers striker has given his manager food for thought after laying on an assist and winning a penalty in the Bhoys’ 2-0 victory over Sporting Clube de Portugal on Wednesday evening.
Nevertheless, Rodgers urged Adam Idah to ‘come alive’ when chances fall his way after he missed two gilt-edged opportunities in the Algarve, which could’ve put his side in a more comfortable position.
He stated: “He needs to come alive. You can’t be caught thinking at this level. You have to anticipate and move and then have authority in the box. I know he can score goals and it’s also the time of pre-season.”
The Bhoys’ search for a new number nine has been well-documented this window, and reports continue to suggest Odsonne Edouard could be on Celtic’s radar despite Rodgers pouring cold water on the scenario for now.
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Napoli’s Giuseppe Ambrosino could also secure a move to Parkhead on loan, albeit it remains to be seen if the Hoops can win the race for the Italy Under-21 international.
Plates are starting to spin in Celtic’s hunt for a forward, and they now look to be on the verge of confirming a striker signing in the next couple of days.
Celtic set to sign Shin Yamada with medical booked
Speaking last night, Rodgers also confirmed that Shin Yamada is set for a medical at Celtic ahead of his £1.3 million move from J League outfit Kawasaki Frontale.
He stated: “He’ll have a medical over the next couple of days and we’ll have a look at him. We’ve lost a lot of goals, so we need to replace that. Hopefully, this can be one of a number of players we can bring in that aspect.
Shin Yamada’s goalscoring record at Kawasaki Frontale
Appearances
121
Goals
32
Assists
9
“He’s got intensity and workrate. It’s something the scouts have seen. In terms of the club, we will bring in players to develop and players for now. Even though he’s a bit older, he’s probably one that can give us that intensity and pressure.
“I need to look and see him when he comes in and hopefully he can do well. The idea was to bring him in and assess him. He’s a strong boy, but we’d want to add to our front line also.”
Dubbed “impressive” by Hudl Wyscout, he earned his maiden cap for the Japan national team against Hong Kong as a group of domestic-based players took part in the East Asian Football Championship, claiming glory in the mini-tournament.
Barring any last-minute hitches, Rodgers will have the striker he is looking for after Kawasaki Frontale announced his departure to an ‘overseas’ club, but his comments suggest there could be further movement to strengthen his forward line.