Report: Celtic want to sign Jordan Rhodes on loan in January

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Celtic are keen on adding Jordan Rhodes’ to Neil Lennon’s squad on a loan basis this January, according to The Scottish Sun.

The paper say that Lennon is keen to add attacking power, in support of first-pick Odsonne Edouard, ahead of a potentially gruelling second half of the season.

Rhodes has made just eight appearances for the Owls this season, scoring three goals. All three of those came against play-off chasing rivals Nottingham Forest last week.

The Scotland international’s stock has faded in recent years, but he was much one of the much-hyped strikers in the English second-tier, moving to Middlesbrough from Blackburn Rovers for a £9m fee back in 2016 (BBC).

Would he be a good signing?

Rhodes’ goalscoring efforts for a time in English lower league football were almost legendary, which is why he was subsequently moved for fees like the above.

Between 2009/10 and 2014/15, he scored at least 20 goals a season, in each season. His career-high came in 2011/12 when he netted a stunning 39 goals in all competitions for Huddersfield Town (Transfermarkt).

He subsequently excelled in the Championship for a time with Blackburn Rovers but in recent seasons has struggled for form. He’s failed to hit double figures since the 2015/16 season (Transfermarkt).

There is a possibility that a man-management specialist like Lennon could spark a fire in the player to help him rebuild his career. However, if he signed, I personally wouldn’t have high hopes.

Since the reported structure of the deal is a loan, there would be little risk. The coaching staff at Lennoxtown might feel they can polish up a faded gem that was once a British football stand-out.

Fans though, might be expecting the club to sign a higher calibre of player.