After being picked for Ivory Coast’s squad for the Olympic Games, Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo has an exciting summer ahead. He hit form at the right time for Toulouse, having been a forgotten man at Celtic.
The Ivorian striker, brought in by Brendan Rodgers [BBC], seemed an unnatural tactical fit at Celtic. A Plan B, if you like, who could be relied upon to bring physicality up front in tougher matches. Not a prolific goal-scorer, maybe, but someone who in Rodgers’ own words “allows us more options in terms of the systems that we play” [BBC].
And, being honest, you could describe his time in the Hoops as “unfortunate”. Luck’s been against him. Whether it’s getting wrongly sent off in the Europa League [Daily Record], or Hearts players getting the credit for two of his strikes [BBC], he’s needed better fortune.
By the time he joined Toulouse on loan, it seemed as if the Bayo Experiment hadn’t worked. Yet, he’s not signed anywhere else for 21-22 yet. And now, with the Olympic Games on the horizon and a clean slate under Ange Postecoglou, here’s a question: what if he plays well for the Ivory Coast?
It seems a pretty straight-forward question, but it isn’t. We’d probably all written the guy off by now, but he has a new manager and a big chance to impress on the international stage. Let’s explore that.
Olympic Games could be crucial for Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo
There’s an argument to be made here; Bayo’s going to miss pre-season under Ange Postecoglou, which puts him at an immediate disadvantage. If the Ivory Coast make it as far as the final on the 6th of August [Olympics], then he’ll be way behind the rest of the squad.
Even if the Ivory Coast don’t make it out of their group, he’ll need sufficient time to recover. The travelling alone will take a few yards of pace from a player in the short-term. Getting up to speed with a squad running fitness drills in pre-season is a tough ask. Even if Bayo’s fitness has never really been an issue.
But here, and I know it’s hypothetical, but what if he both plays games and scores goals? Celtic seem certain to bring in more strikers while he’s away in Japan. Kevin Nisbet and Charlie Wyke have both been mooted, and more could follow. If Edouard stays until the start of the Premiership at least, Bayo could find himself fifth choice before a ball is kicked.
Yet, Postecoglou will be watching the Olympic Games. As a former Australia boss, and someone with a keen eye on J-League talents after winning with Yokohama F Marinos, he’ll be keeping an eye out. If Bayo’s able to impress, then it could give big Ange a real headache.
Don’t count Bayo out just yet
While Aboubacar could be the main man for Les Éléphants, they wouldn’t bring Bayo along for no reason. Despite only having 2 caps, his late-season form with Toulouse in Ligue 2 will have counted for plenty. Not just a brute up front, Bayo has shown flashes of excellent technical ability, and creative flair in providing assists.
If he’s able to impress some doubters at the Olympic Games, myself included, then it could put a different light on his Celtic chances. Yes, by the time he’s able to come back, Postecoglou might’ve decided on his front line. But a system like Postecoglou’s requires a deep squad, and rotation will be key.
If Bayo wants to fit into Postecoglou’s plans, then this could be crucial. Or, from a different perspective, it might drive his value up if the Bhoys are determined to sell. Either way, all parties involved here have something at stake here.
We’ll be keeping an eye on how he does. No doubt about it, Postecoglou will be doing the same.
READ MORE: BBC pundit gives Celtic striker verdict
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