Celtic have made a muted start to the window as Brendan Rodgers takes stock before entering the market for reinforcements.
Despite matters such as the Hoops’ hunt for a goalkeeper gaining airtime, solving their striker situation could prove equally important this summer.
According to reports, Hyeongyu Oh could potentially be headed to Genk after the Belgian outfit increased their offer to land the Celtic striker.
The South Korea international has scored 12 times in 47 appearances at Parkhead; nevertheless, Adam Idah’s arrival on loan in January limited his scope for regular minutes.
Now back at Norwich City, their boss Johannes Hoff Thorup re-affirmed his plans to have a look at the Republic of Ireland international in pre-season, leaving Rodgers’ ambitions of a permanent Celtic swoop for the forward up in the air.
Former Hoops man Chris Sutton has now weighed in on the striker dilemma as the club look to assemble a group capable of fighting on all fronts in 2024/25.
Chris Sutton delivers Celtic striker situation verdict
Speaking to The Daily Record, Sutton indicated Celtic need to bring in two new forwards this summer if Oh completes his prospective departure to adequately bolster their attacking depth.
He explained: “Letting Oh go means Celtic are going to be in the market for TWO new strikers. Kyogo is going to be the main man. And talk about him needing shoulder surgery at some point seems to have gone quiet. He managed to get through the season without much injury fuss so it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be a pressing matter in the new campaign. But getting him help up-front is.
“Oh’s (potential) departure will ramp up the importance of landing Idah. That’s not a formality but even if they do get him back, Celtic will need another forward as well. They’ll need three – maybe even four – strikers to fight on four fronts next term. Every side is on the lookout for strikers and sometimes you need to be patient.
“But Celtic also can’t afford to dither. If they can’t get first targets, move on to the next ones. They fly out to the US in the middle of July and Rodgers will be desperate to have some new faces on the plane.”
Sutton makes his point expertly, and there is a chance that Celtic will have to be patient to land quality in the market. Nevertheless, they can’t wait too long. If Oh were to leave, Kyogo Furuhashi would be the only striker with senior experience on the books at Parkhead.
Yesterday, Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup doubled down on his plan to run the rule on Idah in pre-season, adding another delay to proceedings on that front. Should the Irishman prove unattainable, time is of the essence for the Bhoys to source a suitable alternative.