da lvbet： Newcastle United are in talks over the signing of a towering Scandinavian attacker this summer, who could join alongside one of Yoane Wissa or Nicolas Jackson.

Newcastle watch on as striker dominoes fall

da dobrowin： The striker situation at St James’ Park has dominated their summer, with Alexander Isak’s future still in doubt amid continued interest from Liverpool and seemingly every other European rival in the top flight landing their own superstar striker.

If Isak does depart, he would be the second big Swedish striker transfer of the summer aftter Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal, with the pair joining the likes of Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth in what is a growing crop of Nordic strikers thriving in major European leagues.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson have emerged as two of the leading options to arrive at St James’ Park to replace Isak, with both potentially needed if the Magpies lose both Isak and Callum Wilson in the same summer transfer window.

Like Isak, Wissa is refusing to play for his current club, in order to try and force a move away, while Jackson finds himself struggling for a starting berth at Stamford Bridge after the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton. Now, an update has emerged regarding another Premier League attacker.

Newcastle join teams tapping into Scandinavian striker market

According to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein on X, Newcastle are in “talks” over signing Wolves and Norway striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, with the 25-year-old liking the idea of joining the Magpies.

“Newcastle retain firm interest in Jorgen Strand Larsen. Not more advanced than other options but 25yo Wolves forward among small group being considered. Talks via intermediaries + Norway int’l keen on NUFC but not agitating to exit.”

Strand Larsen stands out as another good option for Newcastle, having developed massively in recent years. According to Transfermarkt, the striker was worth just €600k (£500k) at Groningen, a number which has ballooned to €30m (£26m) after moves to Celta Vigo and then Wolves.

The Wolves ace has 14 goals in 39 appearances, which is a good return for a team that struggled in the Premier League last season, and Magpies legend Alan Shearer is a big admirer, hailing his qualities back in April.

“He was a nuisance. His hold-up play was excellent and I thought his touch and his control were superb. “Wolves didn’t play that well in the first half, but they certainly improved in the second. When you’ve got a guy who’s 6’4, you have to get balls into the box, and they certainly did that in the second half.”

Strand Larsen is arguably a better option than Jackson, considering he scored more league goals than him in a weaker team last season, so he and Wissa could be ideal business to make up for the loss of Isak, if it happens.

da esoccer bet： Soon, it will all be over. Soon, the summer transfer market will have slammed down its shutters, and the noise produced by the Alexander Isak saga will be drowned out by the excitement of another campaign.

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da roleta： Newcastle United have already started their season, of course, having gone to Villa Park and emerged with a point which could have been three, if only the stylish visitors had had a free-scoring frontman.

Isak remains absent from first-team training and thus match contention, and with Callum Wilson now playing for West Ham United, it’s imperative that PIF succeed in signing one or two high-level frontmen to lead Newcastle back into the Champions League, with hopes of landing another major honour also sitting in the recesses of Magpies’ minds.

Well, progress has trickled along over the past several months, but with the window coming to a head, Newcastle appear to be edging closer to catching their quarry, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa the top target after a series of rejected bids.

Why Newcastle should sign Wissa

Earlier this week, Newcastle’s second offer for Wissa, worth £35m plus difficult-to-achieve add-ons, was knocked back by the Bees, who are under no obligation to cash in, by any means.

However, Wissa has his heart set on a move to Tyneside, and such a burning passion to play in black and white is something that United must pounce on, for Howe’s system is built on cohesion and hard work and commitment to the cause.

It’s felt that certain Magpies sources, as revealed by The Athletic, are pessimistic over the chances of sealing a move for Wissa before the end of the transfer window, but the player’s dogged determination to join Howe’s squad has kept the flame alive.

An alternative has been earmarked in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jørgen Strand Larsen, but at a reported price of around £60m, a formal approach for the Norwegian would perhaps be a profligate usage of resources.

Wissa is older, but with age comes wisdom, and he proved last year that he has the composure and honed technical ability to score consistently for a club like Newcastle.

Strand Larsen has his strengths, but there’s another Premier League star on the radar who, yes, is raw, but also has a high ceiling and could go from strength to strength under Howe’s tutelage.

Newcastle consider bid for Premier League striker

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are considering a proposal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson before the September 1st transfer deadline, with the 24-year-old up for sale at Stamford Bridge.

Jackson has ebbed and flowed across his two years as Chelsea’s main striker, but it seems like he’s set to jump ship, and Newcastle are prepared to engage in a transfer tussle that could rage into the dying embers of the window.

Chelsea hope to bank £60m for Jackson, a far cry far south of previous suggestions that the Blues would listen only to offers worth £80m, a figure linked to Aston Villa’s own bid to sign the Senegal international.

Why Nicolas Jackson could star at Newcastle

When Chelsea signed Jackson from Villarreal for a fee in the ballpark of £30m two years ago, they landed one of the most promising up-and-comers in the business, with pace, power and potency, as advertised through his meteoric rise in La Liga.

The Premier League swallows many talented hopefuls into its maw, however. Jackson has struggled for consistency and accuracy in front of goal, but a return of 34 goal involvements from 65 matches in England’s top flight is hardly a poor return.

And Jackson, praised for his “special” quality by journalist Rahman Osman, is far more than just a goalscorer. He’s an energetic, interlinking focal point, and Howe would seem the perfect manager to will him into a superstar.

After all, when you’ve got legends such as Thierry Henry waxing lyrical over your potential, there’s clearly something in that skill set that’s worth writing home about.

There’s little question that Jackson has a higher ceiling than Wissa, but given that Newcastle are in for multiple forwards, the two could operate together in contrasting harmony.

Looking at the respective nines’ data from the recent Premier League campaign, it’s clear to see how this would be so.

Premier League 24/25 – Jackson vs Wissa

Stats (per 90)

Jackson

Wissa

Goals scored

0.41

0.59

Assists

0.20

0.12

Shots taken

3.08

2.77

Touches (att pen)

5.72

5.03

Shot-creating actions

2.80

2.13

Pass completion

75.9%

76.5%

Progressive passes

1.54

2.07

Progressive carries

1.91

1.85

Successful take-ons

0.73

0.46

Ball recoveries

1.95

2.50

Tackles + interceptions

1.01

0.93

Data via FBref

Wissa takes the crown as the superior finisher, and no mistake, but Jackson is more energetic and more creative, having averaged 1.1 and 0.9 key passes per game over his two years in the Premier League, as recorded by Sofascore, underscoring his value as a mobile forward eager to thread the frontline together.

Wissa is not Isak, of course, but he played his heart out for Brentford last season, producing goalscoring figures that were not all that dissimilar to the Scandinavian star’s.

But, in spite of his sharp link-up play, Wissa lacks the dynamism and roundedness to thrive in Howe’s system as a player of Isak’s ilk. Many consider the Sweden international to be among the most complete strikers in the game.

Enter Jackson. The Chelsea man could reach levels unknown if placed into the Newcastle first team, using his high-speed running and his robustness to combine with Wissa, who has indeed shown himself capable of forging a strong on-field relationship with versatile forwards (Bryan Mbeumo, stand up).

Will Newcastle get it done? Howe needs a new striker or two, to be sure. And in Wissa and Jackson, the trophy-winning manager would have contrasting options to further his project, maybe even leaving the 2024/25 campaign remembered as a springboard toward success of the kind Tyneside has not seen for many, many years.

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da imperador bet： With a deal agreed to sign goalkeeper John Victor, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly leading the race to sign another South American star for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nottingham Forest agree Victor deal

da luck： Espirito Santo requested a goalkeeper and it looks as though he’s set to get one in the form of Victor this week. According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign the Brazilian from Botafogo, who is set to get the Premier League move that he’s been after since West Ham United ditched their attempts to secure his signature.

Espirito Santo also requested full-back cover and has also seen that demand met by those at the City Ground, who have welcomed Nicolo Savona from Juventus.

Speaking for the first time since becoming the latest to arrive in the Midlands, the defender said: “I am very excited to be here. It is a new experience for me as a person and a player. It is such a historic club, and the move is a dream come true. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at the City Ground, and I will give my all for the shirt.”

Whether Victor and Savona are enough to satisfy Espirito Santo will be the big question. Talks between the Forest boss and Marinakis are reportedly scheduled this weekend in what should give those at the City Ground a strong indication of where Espirito Santo’s immediate future lies.

With the deadline fast-approaching, meanwhile, reports suggest that the Tricky Trees are targeting yet another South American star.

Nottingham Forest leading Cuiabano race

According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are not leading the race to sign Cuiabano from Botafogo. Forest have, of course, already welcomed Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha from the Brazilian club, whilst an agreement has also been reached for Victor. Now, they could sensationally sign a fourth player from the club.

Full of praise for all three potential Forest stars, analyst Ben Mattinson described Cuiabano as “powerful” and “pacy” when links first emerged that the Tricky Trees had him in their sights. Now, in a late move, they could finally get their man.

Like Savona, the Brazilian would also satisfy Espirito Santo’s demand for cover at full-back just as the window is coming to a close. At just 22 years old, there’s still plenty of room for improvement in the Midlands too, and European football should ensure that he receives the game time needed to enjoy that improvement.

da jogodeouro： Having already commenced talks to sign Tolu Arokodare, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly eyeing a late swoop to sign another impressive striker.

Latest on Wolves' Arokodare move

da marjack bet： With Fabio Silva set to join Borussia Dortmund, Wolves have instantly shifted their focus towards Arokodare. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands club have commenced talks to sign the KRC Genk forward, who could hand Vitor Pereira’s frontline the added depth in quality that it’s been lacking since Matheus Cunha’s departure earlier this summer.

After scoring 23 goals in all competitions last season, the Nigerian forward could be the perfect partner to Jorgen Strand Larsen this season instead of becoming the Norwegian’s replacement.

Whilst Newcastle United have submitted two bids to sign the Wolves forward, both have been rejected and fresh reports have indicated that Strand Larsen will not be allowed to leave Molineux this summer.

The line from Wolves so far has been that Arokodare would simply be replacing Silva rather than anything else. Pereira also recently had his say on Strand Larsen’s future after he scored two goals in a dramatic Carabao Cup win against West Ham United.

He told reporters: “If it’s my decision, of course [Strand-Larsen stays]. Of course. Because he’s a very important player. It’s not only about the technical and tactical, it’s about the character. He’s a player with character.”

However, the manager did also admit that every player has a price and recent rumours that Wolves have set their sights on a second striker alongside Arokodare would suggest that this saga is far from over.

Wolves now eyeing late Alberto swoop

According to Molineux News, Wolves are now eyeing a late swoop to sign Yuri Alberto, who Pereira is a huge admirer of. The pair worked together during Pereira’s time at Corinthians and could now reunite as those in the Midlands set their sights on a late move alongside Arokodare.

The talented striker struck 31 goals in all competitions for Corinthians last season and would be more than capable of firing Wolves to safety. But the rumours of his potential arrival should spark some concern about Strand Larsen’s future.

Whilst Arokodare is a target to replace Silva, a move for a second striker would indicate that Strand Larsen could be heading for the exit door with Alberto lined up as his immediate replacement. Of course, there’s still plenty of dominoes to fall for this to be the case, but Wolves will be bracing themselves for a frantic few days.

Dubbed “superb” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes last November, Alberto would at least be the calibre of forward good enough to replace a talent of Strand Larsen’s level.

da realbet： Chelsea’s transfer strategy has seen them sign and sell an enormous number of players over recent years, and while it has worked, they’ve also lost out on some brilliant talent.

da betsson： For example, FA Cup winner Marc Guehi was sold to Crystal Palace for just £18m in 2021, and has since become one of the very best defenders in the Premier League.

He has also become a key player for England, starting both games during the international break and scoring his first international goal against Serbia.

However, there is another Cobham graduate who was sold too soon, someone arguably more exciting than Guehi and who looks destined to become an England star.

Ex-Chelsea players to play for England

Due to the sheer number of players Chelsea have sold or released over the last decade or more, it’s hardly surprising that there are quite a few who have gone on to play for England.

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For example, Declan Rice was famously a part of the group of Cobham gems that included Mason Mount, but was released at 14 years old and ended up joining West Ham United.

The 26-year-old would go on to make 245 appearances for the Hammers and captain them to Conference League glory before joining Arsenal for £105m two years ago.

He made his debut for the national team in March 2019 under Gareth Southgate and has since become one of the most important players for the side, accumulating 68 caps during which he has scored six goals, provided six assists, and played in two European Championship finals.

Other former Chelsea players who have pulled on the Three Lions after leaving Stamford Bridge, but aren’t as crucial to the teamlike Dominic Solanke, who made his debut while playing for Liverpool.

While none of those players have gone on to be stars for the national team, another Cobham graduate, who might be more exciting than Guehi, appears to be on track to be one.

The Cobham gem primed to be an England star

While Guehi received plenty of attention for his impressive performance on Tuesday night, and rightly so, there was another former Cobham gem playing alongside him: Tino Livramento.

The Croydon-born full-back joined Chelsea as a child and made quite a name for himself coming up through the academy, even winning the player of the year award in the 20/21 season.

However, after failing to agree on terms on a deal, the Blues sold him to Southampton for around £5m, where injuries would limit him to just 34 appearances in two years.

Yet, those 34 appearances were still impressive enough to convince Newcastle United that he was a player worth signing, so in August 2023, they spent around £32m rising to £40m to bring him to St James’ Park.

Since then, the 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength, making 83 appearances for the Toon, in which he’s produced four goal involvements, averaged 1.77 points per game, played on both sides of the defence and most importantly, helped the club with their first silverware since the 50s.

All of this was enough for him to win his first senior cap for England under Lee Carsley last November, and then this international break, Thomas Tuchel played him in the first game and started him against Serbia.

Moreover, it looks like he could become a star for the side, as according to some reports, the German has told his staff he views the Toon ace as someone who can become his ‘first-choice left-back.’ Theo Walcott has even stated in the past that he believes Tuchel may have a “future England captain” at his disposal, such is his presence.

Finally, on top of passing the eye test and still having plenty of time to develop, another reason why the former Cobham gem might be even more exciting than Guehi is the fact that his underlying numbers are already stellar.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 4% of full-backs in the league last season for ball recoveries, the top 6% for long pass completion, the top 11% for passes blocked, the top 13% for progressive passes and more, all per 90.

Livramento’s scout report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Ball Recoveries

5.86

Top 4%

Pass Completion % (Long)

63.5%

Top 6%

Passes Blocked

0.81

Top 11%

Pass Completion %

86.1%

Top 12%

Progressive Passes

5.26

Top 13%

Total Carrying Distance

207.66

Top 13%

Progressive Carrying Distance

111.68

Top 14%

Progressive Carries

2.73

Top 17%

Passes Attempted (Short)

29.13

Top 18%

Pass Completion % (Medium)

87.2%

Top 18%

Carries into Penalty Area

0.50

Top 18%

Passes Completed (Short)

26.53

Top 19%

All Stats via FBref

Ultimately, while it’s challenging to predict how a youngster will develop, it feels like Chelsea made a significant mistake in allowing Livramento to leave in 2021.

da dobrowin： It is remarkable that an unbeaten domestic season so far for Celtic has almost been overlooked, with supporters rightly nearing breaking point amid what appears a simply disastrous summer of transfer business.

da realsbet： Having failed to replace Kyogo Furuhashi in January, the Hoops have since seen Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah depart without securing adequate replacement, with talisman Daizen Maeda also revealing his own desire to leave, albeit while ultimately staying put.

The Scottish champions remain at the top of the tree in the Premiership, yet after reason for encouragement in the Champions League last term, there are few signs that they are kicking on under Brendan Rodgers.

Things, it must be said, have all gone a little bit stale, with intrigue building over just how late arrival Kelechi Iheanacho will fare in his new surroundings, following his free transfer switch from Sevilla.

Rodgers has got a tune out of the Nigerian marksman in the past at Leicester City. Can he do so again in Glasgow?

Iheanacho's record under Rodgers

As already suggested last week, there is an air of Scott Sinclair about this latest deal, with Rodgers getting out the phonebook to reunite with one of his former stars who has fallen on hard times in recent years.

Sinclair went on to flourish in green and white, and hopefully Iheanacho can do the same, albeit with the 28-year-old enduring a difficult few years that yielded just three goals in 11 games during his stop-start stint in Spain, alongside scoring just once in 14 outings for Middlesbrough.

Even more worringly is that the one-time Manchester City striker hasn’t actually broken double figures for league goals since the 2020/21 campaign, as per Transfermarkt, where he netted 12 times for Leicester in the Premier League.

In fact, that is the only time in his senior career that the mercurial left-footer has reached double figures for league goals full stop, with his previous best coming back in 2015/16, where he scored eight top-flight goals at the Etihad.

And yet, for all that concern, if anyone is to get him fit and firing again, it is Rodgers, with Iheanacho having scored 43 goals and registered 25 assists in 143 games under the Northern Irishman to date – by far the best record of his career under any manager.

Rodgers – Top Scorers

Player

Goals

Games

Scott Sinclair

95

238

Jamie Vardy

70

157

Luis Suarez

61

81

Moussa Dembele

51

94

James Maddison

49

166

James Forrest

46

216

Daizen Maeda

44

94

Kelechi Iheanacho

43

143

Daniel Sturridge

43

70

Stats via Transfermarkt

Still only 28 and “in his peak years”, in the words of the Celtic boss, the 6 foot 1 ace could prove to be a bargain yet for the Premiership side, emulating recent free transfer success stories such as Aaron Mooy and, of course, Kasper Schmeichel.

Iheanacho will be in need of service if he is to shine at Parkhead, however, with Rodgers needing to find a new creative hub in his muted outfit.

Rodgers must now unleash the new Ryan Christie

The best Celtic sides of recent times have been blessed with a difference-maker in that advanced number ten berth, be it Matt O’Riley, Tom Rogic, Ryan Christie or even Kris Commons.

That string of left-footers have all blossomed across the last decade or so, with there perhaps the opportunity there for a certain Luke McCowan to follow in their footsteps, despite having largely played a bit-part role since his switch from Dundee last summer.

Signed for just £1m, the boyhood Celtic fan is yet to truly be given the chance to showcase what he’s all about, having previously recorded 15 goals and assists in his final full season at Dens Park.

47 appearances have since come his way under Rodgers, albeit with only 16 of those actually coming from the start, with the likes of Reo Hatate, Arne Engels and now Benjamin Nygren favoured as part of that midfield trio, alongside the constant pivot of Callum McGregor.

When he has been given an opportunity, however, the Scotsman has typically taken it, chalking up a respectable tally of eight goals and nine assists for the club to date, including the decisive strike off the bench to see off St Mirren on the opening weekend.

Once hailed as the “best midfielder in the league outside the Old Firm” by writer Kai Watson – who also described him as a “creative and tenacious” asset – McCowan is that man who can unlock the door. The man who can create something out of nothing.

Indeed, ex-Celtic star Andy Walker has even made the comparison between the 27-year-old and the aforementioned Christie in the past, having said as much amid his bargain switch last summer:

Signed from Inverness Caledonian Thistle back in 2015, Christie – now of AFC Bournemouth – went on dazzle in green and white, registering 86 goals and assists in just 151 games, operating centrally and off the right flank.

McCowan seemingly has the quality to take on a similar role in this current set-up, with Celtic’s number 14 notably creating nine ‘big chances’ last term in the Premiership, alongside averaging 1.3 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

Such creative prowess could ensure that McCowan is the man to get the best out of Iheanacho, with the 58-cap Nigerian notably thriving in tandem with ex-Aberdeen star James Maddison at Leicester, after combining for ten goals with the English playmaker, as per Transfermarkt.

Taking on a similar number ten or advanced playmaking berth, McCowan may well be just the solution for both Rodgers and Iheanacho.

Of course, the new man will have to contribute himself, although he certainly can’t do it all on his own.

da betobet： Ruben Amorim is edging closer to his one-year anniversary since he was appointed Manchester United manager, but it’s safe to say it’s not been an easy ride in the role.

da doce： The 40-year-old was seen as the perfect man to come in and change the Red Devils’ fortunes, but his spell at Old Trafford certainly hasn’t gone the way many anticipated.

He’s only achieved a 40% win rate since taking the reins last November, losing 20 of the 48 matches he’s taken charge of across all competitions – the worst of any manager of the club post World War 2.

The 2024/25 campaign was a dismal one for all involved at the Theatre of Dreams, registering their lowest-ever Premier League finish, but he was still handed over £200m to make the changes he desired.

After just a couple of games of the new campaign, judgment may have to be reserved until the new additions are settled, but that hasn’t stopped rumours from circulating about his future in the role.

The latest on Amorim’s future at Man Utd

Despite losing two of the first five league games of the 2025/26 season, the United board have stated that they will continue to back Amorim in his quest for success at the club.

The likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe were at the training ground last week, but it’s been claimed that they still have full faith in the Portuguese boss to transform the club’s fortunes.

However, that could all be about to change in the coming weeks, especially if the latest rumours around the current managerial situation are to be believed.

GIVEMESPORT have reported in recent days that the staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford are huge admirers of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and could be tempted to appoint him should they part ways with Amorim.

The report also states that no move or decision on either situation has yet been made, but the 51-year-old remains a boss they’re tracking in case they decide to make a change.

Why United’s manager target is an upgrade on Amorim

The new generation of United supporters have only endured disappointment and frustration, subsequently failing to reach the heights achieved during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The Scotsman won 13 Premier League titles during his time in charge at Old Trafford, the most of any manager in the division’s history, with the former boss putting the Red Devils on the map.

However, since his retirement in 2012/13, the club have failed to win a single league title, with second-placed finishes in 2017/18 and 2020/21 as good as it’s got for the fans in the last decade.

Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping to change such a drought, but up to now, he’s failed to create a side and system that looks remotely close to even challenging for a European spot.

Such failures could lead to the hierarchy making a change in the next few weeks/months, with Glasner the leading candidate to take over, as seen by recent reports.

When comparing the duo’s respective stats in England’s top-flight, the Austrian has achieved a far better record, doing so with a shoestring budget compared to Amorim.

Glasner, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, has achieved a better win percentage than Amorim – leading the Eagles to a 12th-placed finish last season, ending the year three places higher than United.

Glasner & Amorim – record in England

Statistics

Glasner

Amorim

Games managed

70

48

Wins

34

19

Draws

21

9

Losses

15

20

Points per game

1.76

1.38

Win percentage

48.5%

39.5%

Goals scored (per 90)

1.71

1.96

Goals against (per 90)

1.14

1.92

Trophies won

2

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

He’s also notched a better point per game record, whilst also achieving a better win percentage, highlighting how impressive he’s been since taking the reins at Selhurst Park.

Glasner has also created new history for the Eagles, winning the FA Cup against Manchester City last campaign – subsequently claiming the club their first ever major trophy.

There’s no debating that the Austrian is a phenomenal manager, with any potential move to Old Trafford giving the fanbase an added reason to be excited in the near future.

It’s unclear at present if the 51-year-old would want to leave his current employers, but it’s certainly a situation for the fanbase to keep a close eye on.

Even though the board aren’t planning for a change, it could only take a couple of poor results to change that – with Glasner needing to be the priority if the Red Devils are to have any chance of ending their drought for a league title.

da dobrowin： Celtic’s striker situation is a complete mess.

da dobrowin： On deadline day, Adam Idah was sold to Swansea City for £7m, just 12 months on from making his loan move permanent for £9.5m, but this appeared a reasonable fee, given the Irishman’s underwhelming form during the previous campaign.

The Hoops wanted to sign Kasper Dolberg from Anderlecht, but were never able to agree a fee with the Belgian club, while it transpired the Dane was never that keen on the move either, instead re-joining Ajax for €10m (around £8.6m).

Celtic supporters have enjoyed watching plenty of top-class strikers in recent years, Kyōgo Furuhashi, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Moussa Dembélé and Odsonne Édouard to name but a few, but even a forgotten former Celtic centre-forward has been outscoring their new striker, Kalechi Iheanacho.

What Celtic supporters should expect from Kelechi Iheanacho

With the transfer window having closed and no senior recognised striker at the club, Celtic could only sign free agents, needing to do so before the UEFA squad registration deadline at 11pm last Tuesday.

In an act of desperation, they brought in Kelechi Ịheanachọ, only able to do so because Sevilla had agreed to terminate his contract, showing how much he was valued at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

Well, considering he scored zero goals in nine La Liga appearances for los Nervionenses, it’s easy to understand why.

In fact, since Ịheanachọ’s most productive scoring season, bagging 19 for Leicester City in the 2020/21 campaign, he has scored just 26 goals across four seasons, of which only 15 have come in the league.

Assuming he debuts against Kilmarnock on Sunday, the 28-year-old will become the third Nigerian to represent Celtic, after centre-back Efe Ambrose, who made 169 appearances, and midfielder Ibrahim Rabiu, who made only two in 2012.

However, it very much remains to be seen if reuniting with Brendan Rodgers can spark Ịheanachọ back into life, so would the Celts actually have been better off keeping hold of a striker you’ve probably completely forgotten about?

Ex-Celtic striker starring in the Championship

Back in January 2019, Celtic signed a certain Vakoun Issouf Bayo from Slovakian side DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda for around £2m and, well, he did not make much an impact in Glasgow.

Nicknamed the Crow, he scored just two goals in 17 appearances in hoops, on target during a 5-0 League Cup demolition of Partick Thistle, as well as tapping home the third when the Bhoys beat Clyde 3-0 in the Scottish Cup, shortly before the pandemic.

Upon his arrival at Parkhead, Bayo stated that he wanted to replicate the form of then first-choice centre-forward Édouard and, well, fair to say he did not achieve this.

Thus, he was loaned out to Toulouse for the 2020/21 season, scoring 13 goals as les Téfécé reached the Ligue 2 play-off final, defeated on away goals by Nantes, but this form convinced Gent to buy him for £1.4m, with Celtic probably happy to recoup the majority of the initial transfer fee paid to sign him in the first place.

After then scoring 14 goals in just 26 outings for another Belgian club, namely Royal Sporting Charleroi, he made his way to Watford, really making a name for himself in Hertfordshire.

Bayo bagged 21 goals for the Hornets, including a stunning overhead kick against Derby at Vicarage Road, as well as netting four times in 30 second-half minutes at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday last November.

He is also now showcasing his talents at international level, scoring the only goal as Côte d’Ivoire beat Burundi in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Abidjan on Friday, set to feature in les Éléphants’ top of the table clash with Gabon on Tuesday too.

At club level, while he’s yet to get off the mark this season, Bayo did start Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro before the international break, having joined the Bianconeri, also owned by the Pozzo family, from Watford.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

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So how do his statistics compare to those of Ịheanachọ?

Bayo vs Ịheanachọ 24/25

Statistics

Bayo

Ịheanachọ

Appearances

41

24

Minutes

2,242

1,165

Goals

10

1

Assists

0

2

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:

Shots

2

1.3

Shots on target

0.9

0.5

Shots on target %

33.9%

18.2%

Goals per shot

0.15

0.03

Conversion rate %

21%

8%

Touches

29.6

34.3

% of touches in the box

13%

9%

Avg Sofascore Rating

6.71

6.65

As the table emphasises, Bayo’s statistics were almost universally more impressive last season, scoring ten EFL Championship goals from an average of less than 30 touches per 90, underlining that he is very much a penalty box poacher.

​​​​​​​

Ịheanachọ himself was once a fox in the box, mainly during his time with the Foxes, but his powers of began to wane in recent seasons.

Celtic supporters will hope this is just a dip in form, rather than a terminal decline but, when your statistics are worse than those of Bayo, that’s not especially encouraging, is it?

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