When Adam Idah struck late to smash Rangers in the Scottish Cup final, it seemed inevitable that Celtic would find a way to bring him back to the club permanently.
The Republic of Ireland striker made himself a hero with nine goals in 19 appearances that helped the Bhoys push towards their league and cup double success.
Brendan Rodgers described him as a ‘catalyst’ for the team in the second half of the season and made it clear to the board that he wanted Idah back in green and white this season.
Lately, it’s become less of a sure thing. Norwich are holding firm on Idah’s long-term contract and seemingly don’t want to sell him. They’ve already reportedly rejected a Celtic bid.
Chris Sutton – who was a playing hero for both clubs – reckons Celtic must have confidence that a deal will go through and that Idah will have no problem getting back up to speed in Scotland despite missing pre-season.
Chris Sutton on the Adam Idah situation
The former striker said [Daily Record]: “The decision to allow Hyeongyu Oh to leave suggests to me Celtic are confident they will get Adam Idah back – despite some of the noises from Norwich.
“I’m sure Rodgers would have preferred to have him on board for the US but the good thing about Idah is they know all about him and he wouldn’t need time to settle in. Celtic can afford to wait until the deal is right and he’ll walk back into the set-up without too much fuss.
“Rodgers will need another striker though as Kyogo is the only one they have got right now. Even if Idah arrives, it still leaves them at least one short with Rocco Vata also heading for the door.”
Celtic may have to switch to other targets
The problem with waiting for Idah for so long is that it could result in Celtic missing out on other viable striking targets.
If the Bhoys leave it too late in the window before a definitive decision is made then there may not be much left on the market to fill the void.
Ideally Celtic will make one last renewed, credible push to deliver the striker with a bid that could tempt Norwich to sell. If they still say no then it’s time to move on.
Sutton reckons it’ll all go through but there’s not been too much evidence of it so far and the Scottish champions can’t hang around forever.
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