Brendan Rodgers is scanning the market for quality and Celtic are likely to make some late additions before the transfer deadline.
Adam Idah’s permanent move to the Bhoys is imminent. The Republic of Ireland international will sign from Norwich City for an initial £8.5 million, with £1 million in add-ons factored into what will become a record transfer fee.
Liverpool pair Owen Beck and Bobby Clark have both been mooted as targets for Celtic. Anfield talents appear to be the order of the day, with claims that Ben Doak is also on Rodgers’ radar this window.
Leaving Celtic Park at 16, the Dalry-born man has made ten first-team appearances at Anfield. Now mentioned in connection with a move away from Merseyside, it isn’t a surprise that a comeback north of the border has been floated.
Nicolas Kuhn’s early season form has offered encouragement for Celtic. Nevertheless, having a variety of game-changers throughout the squad would offer security in squad depth. Brian McClair believes that Doak could be the ideal candidate to provide a viable alternative on the flanks.
Brian McClair on Ben Doak potentially returning to Celtic
Speaking to Football Scotland, former Celtic hero McClair believes his old side should be in the running to sign Doak due to his potential, position and profile.
He explained: “I think he’s available on loan and he’s someone that Celtic should be interested in. I know he left a few years ago but I’ve also heard that Liverpool might want to sell him. I think Celtic should be interested in young players who clearly are good enough to be recruited by Liverpool in the Premier League and have been involved in a few games.
“His age and position is something that Celtic should be interested in. The first instance, get him on loan and then he may well be someone who can flourish in Celtic’s squad and perhaps in their team.”
Later, he added: “The idea is that all the manager is interested in is someone who can be a positive addition to the squad and group of players. Someone like Ben Doak, if he continues to make progress, is going to be a good player.”
Ben Doak needs a platform for his talent to shine
Injuries and competition for places at Liverpool have left Doak needing game-time. His talent is well known, but he is in a stage of his career where first-team football is needed to benefit his development.
Celtic could be an ideal environment for that to occur. However, the club shouldn’t be used as a tool to harness his talents without the option to buy him permanently.
Presumably, Liverpool will be keen to loan him out to gain experience. The Bhoys shouldn’t be reliant on short-term options if they can help it; look at how long it has taken to kick a deal for Idah over the line.
Nevertheless, reinforcements are necessary to flesh out the squad with the window entering its final stages. Doak would provide another burst of pace and trickery in the last third, so we will need to see what happens.
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