Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be hard at work with recruitment chiefs as they assess whether or not to move for new arrivals in the window’s final days.
On Saturday, the Hoops laboured past Ross County in a narrow 1-0 victory at Parkhead and in the aftermath, the Irishman indicated that he could bring in reinforcements by Thursday’s deadline.
Rodgers stated in his post-match press conference: “Hopefully there’s movement, that’s the plan. Getting that player in who can help our level and allow us to develop. We will see over the coming days, but hopefully that’s the case.”
Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry indicated last week that strengthening at left-back could be the next port of call for the Bhoys as they look to enhance their chances of winning a third successive Scottish Premiership title.
Kyogo Furuhashi remains a lone figure in the striking position due to Daizen Maeda and Hyeongyu Oh’s involvement at the AFC Asian Cup with Japan and South Korea, respectively.
Trying to acquire a new striker could be a task Celtic take on in the final stages of market activity, given that it is unknown when the latter pair will return.
Celtic pursuit of Bologna’s Sydney van Hooijdonk takes twist
Bologna star Sydney van Hooijdonk’s name continues to come up in connection with Celtic amid their ongoing search for a new centre-forward.
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, the Hoops have been ‘monitoring’ the Dutchman’s situation for ‘some time’ amid his uncertain future at the Serie A high-flyers.
Now, an intriguing twist in the ongoing link between Van Hooijdonk and the Scottish champions could well have come to light.
Local Italian media outlet Corriere di Bologna relayed via The Daily Record claim that despite the 23-year-old receiving offers from the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey, his inner circle, including Celtic icon father Pierre, is now keen to examine the potential of a switch to Parkhead for the striker.
Fabrizio Romano revealed on X last week that his current employers would be willing to let him leave Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on loan.
Sydney van Hooijdonk would offer something different at Celtic
Evidently, Van Hooijdonk is a different proposition as a striker to Celtic’s preferred choice, Furuhashi and would come with an alternative skillset to the Japan international.
Scoring just once in 11 appearances this term, the former Netherlands Under-21 cap has largely played second-fiddle to Joshua Zirkzee; however, he did register 19 times on loan at Heerenveen in 2022/23 [Transfermarkt].
Standing at 6ft 3in, the 23-year-old would offer Rodgers the opportunity to mix it up in the final third when needed for the Bhoys.
Celtic aren’t exactly blessed with much variation in the striking department, though it remains to be seen whether the discussion surrounding Van Hooijdonk will actually amount to anything.
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