Is Onyekuru Answer to Dembele’s Void at Celtic?
According to a report from the Scottish Sun in January 2017, Celtic were interested in Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru. But a move never materialised and the 21-year-old ended up signing for Everton last summer.
Everton signed Onyekuru from Belgian club Eupen in the summer of 2017 but he was loaned out immediately to Anderlecht without kicking a ball in the Premier League. The Nigerian enjoyed a decent spell with Anderlecht, scoring 10 goals in 28 appearances.
However, the 21-year-old suffered a knee ligament injury in December last year and was out of action for the latter half of the 2017/18 season. As a result, Onyekuru was deemed surplus to requirements at Everton this season and has been farmed out again on loan to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
At Galatasaray, Onyekuru has done reasonably well having scored two goals so far this season. And his performances haven’t gone unnoticed as the likes of Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich are keeping track on the Nigerian, claims the Sun. Therefore, it shows how highly rated Onyekuru and Celtic should surely join the race for his signature.
Celtic lost the services of their star forward Moussa Dembele on the deadline day of the summer transfer window. Dembele’s departure to Lyon has left a massive void in the attacking ranks which Brendan Rodgers should consider filling in January. And as the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths have failed to deliver the goods in front of goal this season, signing a forward should definitely be prioritisedby Rodgers.
Onyekuru would be an ideal fit for Rodgers’ Celtic. He is a left winger by trade, also capable of playing on the right or as a secondary striker. Blessed with explosive pace to burn and exquisite dribbling skills, the 21-year-old bursts into life in the final third. His ability to cut inside with pace from the wide areas and score goals with both feet will be a huge asset to the Bhoys.
Furthermore, Onyekuru is a player who has a very sound technique which allows him to keep good close control in tight areas along the flanks. In fact, he will be the ideal man to provide competition for the likes of Scott Sinclair, James Forrest, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor.
Despite being very young, Edouard has shouldered the bulk of the workload so far and Celtic definitely need another topquality forward with goalscoring pedigree to compete on all fronts this season. That said, someone like Onyekuru would add depth and competition for places if Celtic manage to land him.
At 21, Onyekuru would be a long-term investment for the Bhoys and might turn out to be the deal that makes them all the more formidable force in the Scottish Premiership.