One of the surprising aspects of this transfer window is the lack of James Forrest bids.
We’re talking about the man who scooped the Player of the Year awards last season. The player who’s consistently popped up with big-game goals and match-winning moments when you need him most.
It was Forrest who, after all, effectively ended any Rangers hope of a title-challenge with his winner against them at Celtic Park back in March. The winger has just come off yet another extremely successful campaign, taking his grand total of appearances with the club up to 350. He’s now scored 73 goals and bagged 70 assists since breaking through back in 2010.
He was recently praised by Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers after the season ended (Daily Record). Yet, in terms of genuine bids for the winger, it’s yet another summer where Celtic have had next to no interest.
You have to wonder what it is about Forrest that seems to put clubs off going for him. He’s quick, has a good cross on him, is a reliable goalscorer, and has proven he can compete at the highest level. He’s given full-backs such as David Alaba a tough time in Europe, and seems to be over the injury problems that plagued him earlier in his career.
Lack of James Forrest bids have been a welcome boost
Kieran Tierney has been the subject of heavy speculation this summer. Even Callum McGregor was linked with Leicester, with Celtic reportedly rejecting an approach from the Foxes for him (Sunday Mail).
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Forrest, however, has been around much longer than either and been providing big-game moments for the Hoops throughout his career.
There’s a general acceptance amongst our support that Forrest’s talent will only truly be appreciated when he retires. And that also appears to be the case for outsiders too, who clearly don’t see our wide-man as a key target.
For example, Forrest could play in the English Premier League no bother. He’s got it in him to step it up a level when called upon to do so. That’s been proven countless times in the Champions League and even the Europa League to an extent.
Neil Lennon, however, will be welcoming the relaxation over Forrest’s future. He won’t want any offers, and we certainly wouldn’t want to let him go either. But the lack of interest in such a consistent, high-quality talent continues to bemuse.
Once again, it looks like a summer in which we won’t have to worry about Jimmy going anywhere.