Celtic are confident of signing Charlie Wyke for nothing, but they’re taking a risk

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Celtic don’t have a director of football yet, but they do have a manager – and may soon have Charlie Wyke too.

Ange Postecoglou is in as manager, but Celtic are yet to appoint somebody who will focus on the recruitment side of the club.

Still, they’re being linked with new signings, and The Northern Echo report that Celtic are ‘increasingly confident’ that they’re signing Sunderland striker Wyke on a free transfer.

How did Wyke fare last season?

Wyke enjoyed his best season since joining Sunderland from Bradford City in 2018.

In his first two seasons at the club, Wyke scored 11 times; five in his first season, six in his second. Suddenly, he exploded this past season for 30 goals in all competitions.

That’s Wyke’s best ever return in front of goal, firing Sunderland to the League One play-offs before they were beaten in the semi-finals by Lincoln City.

Wyke’s record has unsurprisingly sparked interest from many clubs, but Celtic are set to pounce with his Sunderland deal expiring.

So why is Wyke a risk for Celtic?

Celtic do need a number of striking options, and Wyke is at least coming in on a free transfer if the deal does happen.

However, this feels like an underwhelming punt from Celtic. This was Wkye’s first ever season scoring more than 20 goals, and he’ll turn 29 in December. Is he going to get any better from here? It would be a long shot to predict that.

Wyke is big and physical, but is lacking technically and in terms of his pace, whilst fitting into a high-pressing style under Ange Postecoglou could be a strange fit.

Wyke has been a goal poacher. He scored so many goals by getting on the end of Aiden McGeady’s creativity, but his all-round game has even been criticised by Sunderland fans.

Maybe Wyke would be an option against ‘lesser’ opposition in the league, but this isn’t the sort of striker signing Celtic need to challenge in Europe again.

Yes, Celtic need to take baby steps to get there, but bringing in Wyke to try and chase down Rangers feels like a risk – even on a free transfer.

Maybe this transfer works out and Wyke ends up being prolific in the mould of an Anthony Stokes, but this feels more like a Daryl Murphy-esque signing for Celtic.