It’s strange that Celtic haven’t really been linked with a move for Johnny Russell in recent times. The Scotland forward is out playing in the MLS for Sporting Kansas City, and he’s having a great time.
Russell netted 12 goals in his debut season in the States last year and has seven so far this campaign. He has turned into one of the team’s biggest stars and was recently revealed as their new highest paid player.
The Kansas City Star says Russell earns roughly $1.7million per year in wages. A quick calculation and conversion works out that he’s on around £26,000 per week. Surely Celtic could offer him similar money.
Russell joined Kansas for a nominal fee in 2018. He was soon to be out of contract with Derby County so was available for a fraction of his value. It’s difficult to work out exactly how much it would take to prize him away from America but it’s unlikely to be an insurmountable amount for Celtic.
Should he be on our radar?
The forward has been in really good form in a highly regarded league. The MLS is no longer an home for retiring players. It’s now packed full of continental talent and overseas players like Russell who have something to prove.
We could probably cover his fee. We could definitely match his current wages. And he’s well known to be a Celtic fan.
Given our lack of options at the top end of the pitch we should definitely be having a look. Russell is now a Scotland regular and may relish the opportunity the play closer to home. We could give him that chance.
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