‘Guaranteed success’ is a dangerous phrase to use when discussing potential new signings.
And Celtic supporters know from experience that a proven track record in the Scottish Premiership does not necessarily pave the way for a positive spell in green and white.
Goalkeepers Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist shone elsewhere in Scotland but struggled to establish themselves at Parkhead. It’s telling that, instead of putting his faith in either Bain or Siegrist, Brendan Rodgers opted to pursue Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo when Joe Hart retired.
And while Greg Taylor and David Turnbull proved to be excellent value for money after joining from Kilmarnock and Motherwell, the same cannot be said of Youssouf Mulumbum Jonny Hayes, Nadir Ciftci or Scott Allen.
So which side of the coin would Lawrence Shankland fall?
HITC understands that – with Celtic struggling to agree a deal for Norwich City’s £8 million-rated Adam Idah – The Hoops have turned their attention to the Hearts captain.
An enquiry has been made. The often ‘unplayable’ Shankland could reportedly be available for a cut price £3 million too, per the Daily Record, with his contract at Tynecastle expiring in less than 12 months’ time.
Celtic make move for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland
Now, Celtic have been burned before when signing players from local rivals.
But Shankland’s record – 31 goals last season, the Golden Boot winner and the Premiership Player of the Year – speaks for itself.
If he can be so prolific at Hearts, imagine that Shankland could achieve with Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley – presuming he stays amid interest from Atalanta and others – providing the creativity.
“Listen, if Lawrence Shankland was to be a Celtic player, I think he would score goals,” Andy Walker, who spent two spells at Parkhead in the 1980s and 1990s, tells Go Radio.
“Everyone talks about what Lawrence Shankland can’t do, and maybe that cost us a wee bit in the Euros. I think he was someone who deserved maybe a wee bit more game time (under Scotland boss Steve Clarke).
“But give him a heavier strip, and I think he’ll meet the challenge. Whether it’s Celtic or Rangers, I think he’s got a pedigree that tells you he’ll score goals in the top flight of Scottish football.”
The Hoops’ Adam Idah alternative
Shankland, at 28, is older than the usual Celtic signing.
But there is a feeling in some quarters that a striker in his prime – and one likely to be available on the cheap due to his contract situation – is an opportunity not to be missed. Particularly if the alternative sees Shankland ends up down the road at Rangers, giving last season’s runners-up a major boost in what could be another tense title battle in 2024/25.
Three of Shankland’s 31 goals last season came against Celtic, finding the net as Hearts won two Premiership fixtures against the eventual champions.
“I really enjoy watching him,” admits Rodgers, telling BBC Sport that Shankland had been ‘on the radar’ during his first spell north of the border between 2016 and 2019.
“When I was here the first time, he was a player that was on the radar. I heard people speak about (him). And any time I saw him in clips, you could see he was a goalscorer.
“Having come back and seen him in the Premiership playing, he’s a boy who looks super concentrated in the games. He’s got really good technique, uses his body well to protect the ball, scores all types of goals.
“So he’s a very good player and one that we have to manage well.”
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