Utrecht coach John Van den Brom has admitted that star forward Gyrano Kerk could be sold this summer after confirming Celtic’s interest in a jet-heeled Dutchman, speaking to Voetbal International.
When the 2019/20 season was brought to a premature conclusion recently, Hoops fans everywhere must be wondered if they had seen the last of Odsonne Edouard in green and white.
The fearsome Frenchman had ripped the Scottish Premiership to shreds in recent months, winning the league’s Player of the Year award while finding the net 27 times in all competitions.
As such, speculation linking him with countless European giants was no surprise to anybody.
But with Edouard making it clear that he wants to make history and fire Celtic to ‘ten in a row’, the in-demand striker does not sound like a man who is preparing to pack his bags.
That does not mean, however, that Neil Lennon and co will not be looking to bring in an attacking reinforcement or two.
Speaking to the Daily Record in May, Van den Brom claimed that Celtic were the ‘club most interested’ in signing Kerk after a much-improved campaign for a forward who has finally added a ruthless streak to his rapid pace.
And while Utrecht will not be accepting a reduced fee for their star man during a period of unprecedented financial uncertainty, there is an acknowledgement that Kerk could be about to make the next step.
“It can always be that a player leaves. There will always be opportunities to sell players – but at a good price,” Van den Brom says.
“We don’t have to sell. In any case, it is still quiet on the transfer market. I think it will remain that way for the next two months.
“But in September, the circus will start again. Then there will be clubs for Gyrano.”
Kerk produced 22 goals and assists during the 2019/20 campaign. And, given that he is at his most effective in a more withdrawn role, there is no reason why he and Edouard cannot play together in Lennon’s 3-5-2 system.
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