The newspapers this morning are filled with a joyously good transfer story; that Celtic are “on the brink” of a deal for Thomas Henry, a French striker who plays in the Belgian league. This tale has us on the verge of completing a £7 million transfer which will utterly transform this side, prior, of course, to the expected departure of Odsonne Edouard.
As replacements go, this is one from the top drawer, or as close to that market as we can get. He is a hot property and capable of winding up anywhere in Europe. This deal has to be done fast. If the reports today are true then we’re already way down the line.
Yet much can still go wrong. It will come down to our willingness to go the final mile.
But we should be. Because his is the perfect pedigree. He has proved that he can acquit himself at a higher level with every club he signs for. He is physically strong. He is big and aggressive. He is fast, and good on the ball and he knows where the net is.
Imagine him in the middle, Kyogo wide left and Abada wide right. The prospect would be terrifying to our rivals. Which is why we must try our best to make it happen.
It is the natural next evolution of this team; a big bruiser (he is 6’4) to add some dig and some strength to our penalty box play. His pace makes him a devastating counter attacking weapon too. He is the full package, exactly what our club has been looking for.
It’s clear that a striker is now a signing priority, whether that’s because the club has accepted that Edouard will be leaving or because we’ve looked at what else is available at Parkhead and concluded that it simply won’t do.
Either way, not only are we looking at the right position but we’re looking at the right footballer. This is the guy. Everything about his game suggests this.
Celtic should not hold back.
They should make the maximum effort to get him.
The Rumour Guy is a writer and blogger from Glasgow.