Celtic needed a striker in the January transfer window, and several options were mooted before Adam Idah arrived on deadline day.
The Republic of Ireland international couldn’t have had a better start to life at Parkhead, registering five goals and one assist in his opening six appearances [Transfermarkt].
Nevertheless, he was far from the only name linked with a move to Glasgow’s east end last month as Brendan Rodgers looked far and wide for a new frontman.
Brondby’s Mathias Kvistgaarden, Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski and Heart of Midlothian captain Lawrence Shankland were all mentioned as potential options.
Norwich City loanee Sydney van Hooijdonk was also believed to be a name of interest to the Scottish Premiership champions; however, nothing came to fruition regarding a swoop for the Dutch forward.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph claimed that no contact was ever initiated by Celtic, which is irrelevant now, seeing as he eventually ended up at Carrow Road on loan with an option to buy [Norwich City FC].
Hindsight is a strange phenomenon, though Celtic fans may feel they now have the better end of the bargain, given that Idah being able to move north of the border was a process eased by Van Hooijdonk’s switch to his parent club.
Sydney van Hooijdonk reveals truth behind Celtic speculation
Breda-born Van Hooijdonk has gone on to feature three times in his new environment, laying on a solitary assist [Transfermarkt].
Despite this, links between the 24-year-old and the Bhoys refused to subside during the January window, in what would’ve been an emotional transfer amid his father Pierre’s pre-existing relationship with Celtic.
Now, the former Heerenveen man has opened up on whether there was any truth behind the stories claiming he could move to Parkhead.
Van Hooijdonk stated [The Pink Un]: “To be honest, I didn’t speak with Celtic this winter. You see a lot of things, but this winter, I didn’t speak with them. Yes, last summer, there was a bit
“It is a lovely club, and I am a fan of them as well, but the Championship and a team that is fighting for the play-offs was really nice.
“This league is at a higher level than that league, so I’m really happy to be here.”
Intriguingly, Van Hooijdonk does note that there were discussions held last summer between himself, or at least his representatives, and Celtic.
Regardless, it is now set in stone that no negotiations took place in the winter window, by his own admission.
In the future, there may be an opening for the striker to make a name for himself at Parkhead; however, it doesn’t seem as if there was much to the rumours last month, which fans won’t be massively upset by due to Idah’s emergence as a key presence under Rodgers.
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