Former Celtic striker Nadir Ciftci could be set for a return to Scotland with Dundee, the Courier reports.
The Dundee-based newspaper claims that the newly-promoted Premiership club are monitoring the situation surrounding the Turkish forward. It’s said that Ciftci has been deemed surplus to requirements after failing to bag promotion with Samsunspor.
Ciftci’s side failed to bag automatic promotion by a single goal last season. They then lost out in the promotion semi-finals to Altinordu on penalties. The Turk ended the campaign with only eight goals in 29 appearances [Transfermarkt].
The Courier reports that Dundee looked at signing Ciftci last summer but failed due to the finances involved. This summer, however, they’re ready to make a fresh approach.
Ciftci proved to be one of Ronny Deila’s worst signings at Parkhead. He would only score four goals in 26 appearances between 2015 and 2018 [Transfermarkt].
Celtic and Nadir Ciftci – never quite the right fit
In fairness, some still believe that Ciftci didn’t get enough of a chance at Celtic Park. After a fine spell with Dundee United where he proved he can net regularly in the Premiership, he seemed a talented option at the time.
However, he proved to be one of Deila’s worst ever signings for the football club. His record since leaving Parkhead also hasn’t shown anything to suggest we made the wrong decision in letting him go.
Since his contract was cancelled three years ago, Nadir has played for Genclerbirligi, Caykur Rizespor, and Samsunspor. He’s found success and goals hard to come by.
Perhaps a return to his former comfort zone is exactly what he needs. There’s no denying he showed some strong attributes during his time with United. His unorthodox nature worked well in the Premiership.
Dundee need a striker who can bag them between 10 and 15 goals next season to stay in the division. Whether Ciftci can still do that is anyone’s guess. There’s nothing to suggest this would be a coup for any Premiership club given his struggles over the last several years.
But would it add an element of intrigue for Celtic fans in games against the Dens Park club next year? 100%.
In other news, a £15m-rated Celtic-linked striker appears to have signed for a Bundesliga club.
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