Belgian Report: Celtic linked Thomas Henry may not be moving to Gent after all

By Euan Davidson

August 19, 2021

Celtic target Thomas Henry has seen a potential move to Gent stall, according to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad.

Henry had been linked to Celtic, with reports claiming that he was Ange Postecoglou’s number 1 choice [Sun]. However, KAA Gent, who also signed former Bhoys striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo this summer [Goal], appeared to have a transfer sewn up.

Not so much the case now, according to Nieuwsblad. Instead, the Belgian side are looking at FK RKS’ Serbian striker Darko Lemajic, due to OH Leuven’s asking price for Henry.

This could open up a lane for Celtic, who are clearly in pursuit of a striker. Links with Greek striker Georgios Giakoumakis have emerged over the last few days. The VVV-Venlo man impressed for a relegated side in 20-21, scoring 26 goals in 30 Eredivise outings [Transfermarkt].

Like Henry, however, Giakoumakis dismayed Celtic supporters by seemingly picking a different club. The Greek striker has held talks with another recently relegated side, Werder Bremen. No move seems forthcoming there, either.

Henry has been a colossal contributor for OH Leuven. A late bloomer, the Frenchman already has 3 goals in 4 games this season. He hit 21 in 31 outings in the Jupiler Pro League, last campaign [Transfermarkt].

With uncertainty over the future of Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths, it’s obvious Celtic could use an efficient goal-scorer off the bench, at least. However, with the prices involved for Henry, it seems a starting role would be more likely.

Celtic could be back in for Thomas Henry amongst Gent uncertainty

Either way, Celtic could be set to land a prolific goal-scorer.

You could be forgiven for wondering whether or not that’s a real priority. Currently, the Bhoys are scoring for fun. Kyogo Furuhashi, James Forrest, Odsonne Edouard and others are contributing massively, putting the ball in the back of the net.

However, the squad absolutely needs rotation options. And frankly, what Postecoglou has at his disposal probably isn’t up to scratch. Albian Ajeti, after a decent pre-season, has fallen away. Leigh Griffiths’ contract extension was probably a mistake.

So, to have a ready-made goal machine to either start or make a late impact would be ideal. Especially for the energy-sapping, high-intensity football that our manager prefers.

Could the Gent stalling lead to a renewed Celtic approach for Henry? We’ll just have to see, but the French striker remains a very interesting name this transfer window.

Read more: Star Celtic man sums up improvement under Ange