Andy Walker outlines his lofty expectation for Adam Idah at Celtic with deal now close

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic are on the cusp of announcing Adam Idah permanently following a drawn-out transfer saga this summer.

Brendan Rodgers made it crystal clear that he wanted Idah back at Celtic Park after his heroics in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers last campaign.

Netting nine times in 19 appearances during his loan spell, the Republic of Ireland international returned to Norwich City and has been there ever since despite intense speculation surrounding his future.

Earlier this week, Celtic agreed a deal for Idah worth an initial £8.5 million plus an additional £1 million in add-ons. Norwich retain a 15% sell-on clause in a transfer that will become the Bhoys’ record transfer fee.

Idah made a pivotal contribution in 2023/34. Without his braces against Hibernian and Motherwell, coupled with goals at Ibrox and Hampden against Rangers, it is hard to say whether a domestic double would’ve arrived in Glasgow’s east end.

Never fear, Celtic achieved that feat, landing a Champions League prize pot that others haven’t been able to carve out for themselves. Away from that, Andy Walker has made a bold prediction about where Idah could fit in as a permanent Bhoy.

Andy Walker on Adam Idah’s role at Celtic

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, former Celtic striker Walker believes Idah will go on to be Rodgers’ first-choice striker at the club once he settles back into familiar surroundings.

He stated: “I think it’s a good piece of business from Celtic. I’ve got to say, I didn’t think Celtic would pay that amount of money for anyone. I just didn’t think they had that look about them, but it’s good for the supporters.

“I think it still means you still need another striker. I mean, he’s the player who was here last season. I don’t think Celtic would have won the title without him.

“I think he scored very important goals. And when you listen to the way Brendan Rodgers described the way he was training, this was a player who wasn’t even getting a game for Norwich, and he wasn’t even keeping Kyogo out of the team. So I think very quickly he will become the number one striker at Celtic Park.

“They’ve paid so much money for him. He is the type of striker that Brendan Rodgers likes and prefers. I think it’s a good piece of business. I’m sure that, being at Celtic, being in Scottish football, he will play regularly. I think it will make him a better player.”

The excruciating Adam Idah wait is coming to an end

As a journalist, the intricacies of transfers are something you come across regularly. The process is rarely cut and dry, often existing with many moving parts before a deal is signed, sealed and delivered.

However, from a fan perspective, the wait for Idah to join Celtic permanently has been excruciating because there is always a lingering fear of missing out.

With just over two weeks of the window, the saga looks to be coming to an end. Seeing the reaction of most supporters, there is a feeling of excitement and relief in equal measure.

Long-winded sagas are energy-sapping; I can’t imagine it has been easy for Idah either, with his future hanging in the balance.

However, he will soon be on his way. Rodgers is on the brink of landing a priority target this window, and his presence will be vital over the coming years for Celtic. Amen to that.