In search of the stamp of the dominant Scottish Premiership winning the title, Celtic are reportedly ready to speed up their move to sign a young attacking signing who could replace Daizen Maeda.
Celtic transfer news
The Bhoys are currently 18 points clear of their nearest title rivals in a dominant campaign in the Scottish Premier League, but are seemingly in a relentless mood as the January transfer window continues to loom.
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And with the Champions League set to return soon, the Scottish giants may even get the chance to cause further shocks on the European stage, having already beaten the likes of RB Leipzig this season.
The fact that they are clean and far at the top of the Scottish Premiership should undoubtedly help them in their bid to reach the next stage of the Champions League, as will any potential signings.
On that front, like Bazoumana Toure they have already been in the headlines, with Celtic reportedly ready to make an offer of as much as £10m to secure the young centre-back’s services.
However, the Bhoys are not only targeting defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window. According to Football Insider, Celtic are now accelerating their move to sign Sondre Orjasaeter from Sarpsborg 08 this month in a deal that would welcome a player ready to eventually replace Daizen Maeda.
At just 21 years of age, Orjasaeter has entered Celtic’s radar after an impressive breakthrough in Norway on top of their own need for attacking depth as they enter the second half of the campaign. According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Josephhowever, the Norwegian side are demanding £7m to sell their young star.
Maeda, now 27 years old, is again among the stars of the show for Brendan Rodgers this season, but could still get a chance to move back into the No.9 role and move away from the left wing if Orjasaeter arrives this month.
Celtic should splash out on the “interesting” Orjasaeter
He described him as “another interesting young player from Norway”. Football talent scout Jacek KuligOrjasaeter’s £7m fee could quickly turn into a bargain if he is to complete the move and continue his impressive rise. Just last season, the 21-year-old was the star of the show in Sarpsborg – scoring goals six goals and assists for seven more in all competitions.
Thinking ahead to when Maeda is finally past the peak of his powers is certainly not a bad idea, and the young Norwegian star looks like a worthy candidate to do just that at Celtic Park.
With the Scottish Premiership all but sealed for the current campaign, Rodgers will no doubt already have his mind on defending his side’s throne for years to come, and perhaps even stepping things up on the European stage for the rest of the season.
