Opinion

The familiar free agent striker Brendan Rodgers could turn to for firepower at Celtic

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Celtic are on the lookout for reinforcements and speculation is rife regarding who Brendan Rodgers could acquire this summer.

Expectedly, there is a calm before the storm as the transfer window opens for business this week; however, there will be plenty of movement this summer in both directions.

The striker position is set to be a major talking point amid the need for Rodgers to bolster his forward line.

Adam Idah enjoyed a fantastic loan spell in the second half of last season at Parkhead; nevertheless, the Republic of Ireland international has admitted he is uncertain about his future [Football Scotland].

Should Celtic be unable to attain his services, there is one familiar option Rodgers could take a look at to add some variation in the final third.

Kelechi Iheanacho is available on a free transfer

Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheahacho has departed Leicester City following a six-year spell at the King Power Stadium, joining a host of names such as Marc Albrighton, Wilfried Ndidi and Dennis Praet [Leicester City FC].

Spending six years at the club, the 27-year-old registered 61 goals and 32 assists in 232 appearances, proving to be a popular presence in the East Midlands [Transfermarkt].

AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images

Notably, Rodgers worked with Iheanacho for four years while the Foxes were in the Premier League, helping to inspire his 19-goal campaign back in 2020/21.

That was a long time ago, admittedly, though at 27, the former Manchester City star still has plenty of years left in his prime to get back on the goal trail, possessing a pedigree that would appeal to the Bhoys as they look to compete on all fronts.

Rodgers spoke about Iheanacho’s qualities in 2021 at a time when he held the best goals per game ratio in the entirety of the Premier League, stating [Sky Sports]: “All the guys love him. Now what you are starting to see is all his qualities. How he receives the ball. His strength. His finishing ability. His anticipation as a striker. You are seeing all of these things now because he is playing with confidence. I am delighted for him.”

Kelechi Iheanacho could be a gamble worth taking

Known for his clinical finishing, there is a case to say the Imo-born attacker could need a move elsewhere after his time at Leicester went a little stale.

He only scored five goals in the Sky Bet Championship last term, albeit from ten starts, per Fotmob. Nevertheless, there is no doubt he has the quality to make a difference in the Scottish Premiership, with the added carrot of familiarity with Rodgers’ system and his availability on a free transfer.

Whether Celtic could afford his wages is another question, as the Nigerian was reported to be earning around £80,000 per week at the King Power [Salary Sport].

Either way, he is someone worth keeping in mind as the Hoops look to build on their impressive 2023/24 campaign with the Champions League in their sights.