Two strikers Celtic should target in the January window
Scottish champions Celtic did not have the best of the summer transfer windows last time out. While they did manage to sign Odsonne Edouard on a permanent deal from PSG, the Hoops allowed star striker Moussa Dembele to leave the club without bringing in any replacement.
This blunder has been one of the prominent reasons for Brendan Rodgers’ side beginning the season in iffy form. With Leigh Griffiths struggling with an injury and Scott Sinclair not pulling his weight, the goalscoring burden has been on the young shoulders of Edouard. And while the Frenchman has done well, he needs more support if the Bhoys are to continue their dominance in the domestic competitions and make serious progress in Europe.
To that end, here are two strikers that Celtic should look to bring in and boost up their options in the final third of the pitch.
Milan Pavkov (Crvena Zvezda)
Having spent the last campaign away on loan at Radnicki, the 24-year-old has made a strong start for Crvena Zvezda, popularly known as Red Star Belgrade, in the 2018/19 campaign. Pavkov, so far this term, has bagged seven goals in 17 appearances across all competitions, including a brilliant double in the UEFA Champions League victory against English heavyweights Liverpool.
The Serbian was reportedly on the radar of Celtic (h/t Belfast Telegraph) and they would be benefited by signing him in January. Pavkov is someone who has a solid all-around game – strong in the air, sharp finisher with his feet, a threat from long distance and also has the ability to hold up the ball at the top.
At 24, he is bound to improve and get better. Given that his contract runs out at the end of the season, he will be available on a bargain price, making him an enticing option for Rodgers’ side.
Mbaye Diagne (Kasimpasa)
The 27-year-old has been in fine form for the Turkish Super Lig outfit and has sparked serious interest in England with the likes of Wolves and Leeds United lining up a January move. (h/t Fanatik via Sports Mole)
And Celtic should also explore the possibility of making a move for Diagne. The Senegalese striker moved to Kasimpasa in January earlier this year from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda and finished the 2017/18 term with 12 goals from 17 matches. He has already equalled his goal tally from last season for the ongoing term, having found the back of the net 12 times in 12 league outings while registering two assists as well.
A powerful presence at the top, the 27-year-old Diagne is an accomplished finisher and a proven goalscorer. He can also add a bit of versatility to the attack with his ability to play out on the left flank. The Senegalese is entering his peak years and has what it takes to make an immediate impact at Parkhead, should Celtic secure his signing in January.
