Celtic and Bundesliga club linked to American striker Eduvie Ikoba

By Patrick Sinat

May 16, 2023

The transfer silly season is not slowly creeping up on us, it’s coming at us like a steam train. Not long after Celtic were linked to Dutch defender Xavier Mbuyamba, reports are suggesting that the Hoops are also looking at American forward Eduvie Ikoba.

Contrary to reports in the Scottish press, an interview with Yanks Abroad is where this rumour first surfaced and not the Hungarian news site Nemzeti Sport. Ikoba was asked about the links to Stuttgart and Celtic after his Hungarian Cup Final win.

Ikoba said, “This part is still a little bit uncertain because I have a contract for two more years from this summer. It’s good of course because the team is going to compete in Europa Conference qualifying which is a really big opportunity for any club.

“I’m not sure what my future will hold yet, whether I’ll stay or whether I’ll go. But I’m just going to assume that I’ll be here at Zala…until I hear something different or a contract comes where maybe I can take another step in my career but who knows.

“I would definitely consider that option, but its not beneficial for a professional athlete to think too far ahead, so now I’m just taking it one game at a time. I’d like to finish the season in a good way, then in the summer I’m sure I’ll talk with the club and my agent about everything else.” 

The 25-year-old currently plays for Zalaegerszegi in the Hungarian first tier. Over his time at the Hungarians, Ikoba has scored 21 times in 62 appearances.

But it seems that it is his 13 goals this season to help his side to a mid-table position just seven points from safety has alerted clubs to him. He also helped his side to a Hungarian Cup win just last month.

Ange Postecoglou does need to strengthen in the forward areas. With the upcoming Champions League campaign next season, an extra striker would help ease the burden on Kyogo and Hyeongyu Oh and provide extra cover should either of the two get injured.

But does this link look like an Ange-type signing? Not to me it doesn’t. Looking at Ikoba’s overall goal-scoring form, prior to this season, he has never really set the heather on fire. And at 25 years of age, there is also little room for developing a player who is close to entering his peak years.