Bologna boss explains Celtic target Sydney van Hooijdonk’s absence from AC Milan clash

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Celtic know that there is pressure from supporters to get signings over the line before the transfer deadline passes.

Brendan Rodgers’ men kicked off their first Scottish Premiership match of 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Ross County yesterday afternoon; however, the Hoops weren’t entirely comfortable on their way to three points.

Alistair Johnston opened the scoring early on with a deflected strike that deceived George Wickens in the Staggies goal, which proved to be the telling action of proceedings in front of a large home crowd.

Nevertheless, the performance clearly evidenced the need for fresh bodies to come in and offer depth to Rodgers’ squad between now and next Thursday’s cut-off point.

The Irishman has delivered a hopeful update on that front, stating post-match: “Hopefully there’s movement (on incomings), that’s the plan. Getting that player in who can help our level and allow us to develop. We will see over the coming days, but hopefully that’s the case.”

Countless names have been linked with a move to the Scottish champions this window, though only Nicolas Kuhn has arrived during a quiet few weeks of activity in Glasgow’s east end.

Celtic target Sydney van Hooijdonk’s Bologna absence

One other big development on Saturday night was the news that Bologna striker Sydney van Hooijdonk was left out of his side’s squad entirely as they faced AC Milan at San Siro.

TNT Sports covered the game, and one of their commentators had this to say on his absence: “Sydney van Hooijdonk is the absent man upfront, not even in the squad, with an apparent move to Celtic on the cards.”

Continually linked with a move to Celtic this month, Van Hooijdonk leaving his Serie A employers on a loan deal is said to be a possibility after they signed Santiago Castro from Velez Sarsfield [Fabrizio Romano].

Bologna boss explains Celtic target Van Hooijdonk’s omission

Bologna boss Thiago Motta has since spoken about the Dutchman’s omission from the eventual 2-2 draw, revealing that illness, namely the flu, led to the 23-year-old being left out of his squad.

On the other hand, he didn’t rule out Van Hooijdonk departing the club this window, stating [Football Scotland]: “We’ll see if in the end he stays here or not; the important thing is that he always trains to the maximum.”

With 92 career goals in 197 appearances, the former Heerenveen forward certainly has an eye for the target in a period where the Hoops are short up front due to Hyeongyu Oh and Daizen Maeda’s involvement at the AFC Asian Cup [Transfermarkt].

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has clarified that Celtic are ‘monitoring’ his situation, but they are yet to come forward with an official approach for his services. Strap yourselves in, folks; this one looks like it could go down to the wire.