Celtic were warned from very early on in the summer that this was not a deal that could be done quickly.
While Brendan Rodgers made sure to leave no one in any doubt about his feelings towards one of Celtic’s most inspired January signings in recent memory – former loan star Adam Idah, he said, was ‘absolutely immense’ in the second half of last season – his opposite number at Norwich City was in no rush to make any decision over the striker’s future.
Johannes Hoff Thorup, David Wagner’s Carrow Road successor, felt it would be ‘stupid’ to let Idah go without having a close look at him during pre-season.
Thorup – impressed by few lively Idah displays over the summer – now insists that the 23-year-old is part of his plans for this week’s Championship opener away to newly-promoted Oxford United, via the Norwich Evening News.
Celtic still keen on Norwich City striker Adam Idah
As such, Celtic have been left somewhat in limbo.
With Kyogo Furuhashi currently the only centre-forward at Rodgers’ disposal, John Hartson channels the concerns of his former Hoops strike partner Chris Sutton as time ticks away and the summer deadline looms into view.
“I would like another centre forward in,” Hartson tells Go Radio. “I don’t want to get the window out the way and we’ve still only got Kyogo. I think they’re on the lookout for one but they’re dragging their heels with Idah at the minute.
“I don’t know what’s happening.”
Sutton told the Daily Record before Celtic’s 4-0 crushing of Kilmarnock that the lack of movement on Idah was nothing short of ‘baffling’.
In The Hoops’ defence, a big factor remains Norwich’s prohibative price-tag. The Scottish champions had an opening bid of £4 million rejected at the start of July.
HITC understands that Norwich are holding out for a fee closer to £8 million; a stance that has left a rather sour taste in Harton’s mouth given that The Canaries appeared happy to let Idah walk out the door at the start of 2024.
Brendan Rodgers only has one striker
“I hope the club don’t think they’ve got enough domestically. I would like to see Brendan Rodgers bring in some quality to add to the quality they already have,” adds Hartson.
“In the Champions League, you need that quality.
“I’m a little bit aggrieved with Norwich because he wasn’t in the team. He was on the bench. Celtic gave him a platform to make a name for himself, gave him game time which he wasn’t getting a lot of at Norwich.
“Now, he’s done really well. You half expect (Norwich’s stance) because clubs get as greedy as they can and try and get as much out the players as they can.
“But to be asking reportedly £6.5, seven, eight million… He’s only been playing regularly for six months! I know it’s business but I’m a little bit aggrieved by that.
“I think they’re taking the mick a bit.”
HITC understands that Celtic have enquired about Hearts talisman and Premiership Golden Boot winner Lawrence Shankland. With his contract expiring in 2025, Shankland is likely to be available for much less than Idah.
Michel Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp has also been linked. A potential deal now hangs in the balance, however, after the former Belgium Under 21 speedster suffered a muscle tear which could keep him out for two months.
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