Celtic’s striker situation has been a major issue in 2025.
It all started with Celtic selling Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January, and it then rumbled on to what turned out to be a forgettable summer transfer window.
Adam Idah then followed Kyogo out of the door, and Celtic were scrambling for that much-needed striker, with attention turning to free agent Kelechi Iheanacho after his release from Sevilla.
Even then, some would argue that the champions of Scotland were short in the striker department, but Peter Grant thinks Celtic should have looked closer to home.
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Celtic should have signed Kieron Bowie from Hibernian
One man who made a blistering start to the season was Hibernian hitman Kieron Bowie, and Grant feels he was the man for Celtic.
Speaking on Go Radio, Grant was discussing the lack of balance to Celtic’s forward line, and the number of left-sided players on the books, including the currently injured Jota.
But when Idah headed for the exit door on transfer deadline day, Grant thinks Bowie should have been the man to come in.
“The balance, for whatever reason, (is not right),” said Grant. “Scouting is very important. Always has been.
“I still think there were players here in Scotland that you could have made your team better with. There is no doubt in my mind.
“See on deadline day. I would have made a go for Bowie at Hibs. If you are thinking right, I have lost a striker. I am going to pay a few bob for him, because this kid is going to get better. He is strong. He is Scottish, and he can play in the Scottish game. He has proved it.
“Something like that. You don’t need analytics to tell you this kid could be your goalscorer.”
Kelechi Iheanacho vs Bowie comparison this season
In terms of experience and playing at the highest level, Iheanacho has reached the top after coming through at Manchester City, playing in the Champions League, as well as winning the FA Cup with Leicester City under Brendan Rodgers.
At the age of 24, Bowie is still working his way up the ladder, and despite an impressive start to the campaign, he has tailed off in recent weeks.
But this is how Iheanacho and Bowie compare this season:
- Bowie’s games for Hibernian: 18
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 1
- Total minutes: 1,398
- Iheanacho’s games for Celtic: 8
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 1
- Total minutes: 453
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