Celtic are finally in a position to sign Adam Idah permanently following news that they have brokered a big-money deal to acquire the Irishman from Norwich City.
The Bhoys will pay £8.5 million upfront plus another £1 million in add-ons for his signature. That would make him the most expensive signing in Celtic history, surpassing Odsonne Edouard’s £9 million arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018.
Norwich will also retain a 15% sell-on clause for Idah. He is set to sign a long-term contract at Celtic Park, with the finer details and a medical left to complete before he is added to the fold after an excellent loan spell last campaign.
Last term, the Republic of Ireland international scored nine times in 19 appearances, including dramatic braces against Hibernian and Motherwell that helped the Hoops secure the Scottish Premiership title.
He also delivered pivotal strikes against Rangers at Ibrox and Hampden, the latter winning the Scottish Cup final back in May. Celtic hero John Hartson has now given his instant reaction to the news.
John Hartson on Adam Idah’s impending move to Celtic
Taking to social media platform X, Hartson has delivered a simplistic message, claiming that the fee paid for Idah won’t matter as long as he regularly hits the back of the net for Celtic.
He stated: “Seems a lot of money for Celtic but if Adam Idah bangs in the goals the fee will soon be forgotten..”
Truthfully, Hartson is completely correct. Idah has been brought in to deliver in crunch moments for Celtic, and his fee is just a necessary endeavour to ensure his tried and tested quality arrives in Glasgow’s east end.
Alternatively, the money could sit in a bank account. Nobody wants that; the Bhoys have the cash reserves to spend such sums and should be pushing the boat out to give themselves the best chance of success domestically and in the Champions League.
Undoubtedly, Norwich have played hardball and will be happy with their end of the deal. Johannes Hoff Thorup’s men will have no problem re-investing the profit the Carrow Road side will earn.
More importantly, Celtic will have Idah to call upon for years to come. He couldn’t have done any more to earn this transfer based on his exploits last season, so it will be exciting to see what he can do as a permanent asset.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
