To say it’s been a slow start to the summer transfer window at Celtic would be an understatement. They’re now the only team in the Scottish Premiership yet to make a signing, as they continue to sit back and watch on from their title-winning throne.
Just months after retaining their title on the final day of the season through a late Daizen Maeda goal, it may seem like Parkhead chiefs are in no rush to welcome additions, but it hasn’t been for the want of trying.
The bad news for the Bhoys is that Celtic have been in the market, but have failed to finalise any arrivals. It’s been a disaster so far and that’s unlikely to change in pursuit of Tobias Lauritsen.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
If Celtic are to sign reinforcements this summer, then they must prioritise their frontline. A move for Lauritsen would certainly tick plenty of boxes, too. He’s a towering striker who is currently a free agent, so well within Celtic’s price range. The big problem for the Hoops is that they’re far from the only side interested. |
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Finances |
This deal is about as affordable as it gets for those at Celtic Park, who have been hesitant to spend big so far this summer. On a free deal, Lauritsen would be an undeniable bargain. |
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Insight |
Standing at 6’4, Lauritsen is a huge striker who’d offer Martin O’Neill a fresh dynamic in his frontline. That’s not to say he’s not a useful goalscorer, either. The 28-year-old has scored 112 career goals. |
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Impact |
It looks as though Celtic will miss out on the forward and that could have quite the knock-on effect if they remain in the market and focus on the likes of Motherwell forward Tawanda Maswanhise. |
Once again, Celtic are facing the threat of losing out on a key target after not moving quickly enough. That, however, is not stopping their last-ditch hijack attempt.
Celtic eyeing last-minute Lauritsen hijack
As reported by Italian outlet Il Secolo XIX and relayed by 67HailHail, Celtic are eyeing a last-ditch hijack to sign Lauritsen ahead of Sampdoria.
This is despite rumours that Sampdoria’s sporting director Americo Branco is already personally working on the deal, with Lauritsen on the verge of joining the Italian club.
Not for the first time, the Bhoys have seemingly left it too little too late in pursuit of a bargain deal.
Celtic must launch statement striker move
Celtic didn’t walk the Scottish Premiership last season. Far from it. In fact, if it wasn’t for Maeda’s goal then they may not have been crowned champions at all. For Hearts and Rangers, there is not a major gap to bridge and the Gers have already got to work on playing catch up.
So now is the time for Celtic to make a statement. They must forget cheap deals for unknown strikers like Lauritsen and prioritise a statement arrival. To that end, Tawanda Maswanhise would be the best option.
The Motherwell forward is talented enough to step up, having scored 17 league goals last season and it’s time Celtic spent big.
