Celtic have been intermittently linked with a move for Sydney van Hooijdonk since the summer window and the prospect of a transfer switch to Glasgow has again been raised in an Italian newspaper today.
The Bhoys were first said to be interested in the striker, son of 1990s icon Pierre, back in August when Sky Sports reported he was ‘on the radar’ in the days leading up to the window closing.
Bologna subsequently ruled out a move as he was needed for squad cover.
In November, local Italian press indicated Celtic were showing renewed interest in a potential January deal for the player. However, it was later reported in Scotland that the Bhoys had not yet made an official approach.
More Sydney van Hooijdonk to Celtic chatter
Today, national title Gazzetta Dello Sport [12/01 print edition, page 22] reports that he will leave the Italian club in the second half of January after a move for Argentinian Santiago Castro, although will play away to Cagliari this weekend in place of the absent Joshua Zirkzee.
The newspaper states their hypothesis that Celtic is a likely destination for Van Hooijdonk, especially as the Bhoys have a player Bologna wants in Rocco Vata, which theoretically could ease negotiations.
Whether it will be as neat as all that remains to be seen, but as noted, Celtic’s interest in the striker has been reported in both countries for several months now so it’s a situation worth keeping track of.
Van Hooijdonk scored 16 goals in a standout season at NAC Breda before making the move to Bologna. A subsequent loan spell back to his homeland resulted in 26 goals across 54 appearances for Heerenveen.
In Italy, it hasn’t worked out for him and he’s only managed one start in Serie A this term alongside a handful of substitute showings.
With Celtic thought to be seeking striking options this month, the 23-year-old could well be the man to provide Kyogo Furuhashi with competition under Brendan Rodgers.
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