Eupen’s Henry Onyekuru has been urged to avoid a move to Celtic.
Eupen chief executive Christoph Henkel has told the Daily Mail that he doesn’t think attacker Henry Onyekuru should sign for Celtic.
Onyekuru, 19, has been one of the stars of the Belgian season so far, as he has notched 12 goals and six assists for 13th placed Eupen, who promotion last season.
The Nigerian attacker has impressed many with his pace and goal threat, and he looks destined to make a big move elsewhere at some point this year.
General view of Celtic Park
Signed from the Aspire Academy in 2015, Onyekuru is already attracting interest having impressed so much this season, with Celtic one of the clubs leading the way for his signature.
The Express report that Celtic have failed with an offer believed to be in the region of £1million, and Eupen are believed to have told the Bhoys that Onyekuru would actually cost around £3million to sign before Tuesday’s transfer deadline – and manager Brendan Rodgers is now weighing up an improved bid for the forward.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Capable of playing up front or out wide, Onyekuru could be another top young attacking talent to add alongside Moussa Dembele, but he’s been urged to avoid a move to Scotland by Eupen’s chief executive.
Christoph Henkel has told the Daily Mail that signing for Celtic would be a poor move for Onyekuru, as he wouldn’t fit well in Scottish football, whilst also highlighting that Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League is ranked considerably higher than the Scottish Premiership in UEFA rankings.
Henkel added that, with Eupen facing the threat of relegation, they can’t afford to let Onyekuru go this month – but with Rodgers and Celtic seemingly thinking about another bid, Eupen may have a big decision to make over the next dew days.
“We are only eight games from the end of the regular phase of the championship and only five points ahead of last place,” said Henkel. “We aren’t sure to stay in Division One. Therefore we can’t be separated from such an attacking player as Henry Onyekuru before summer. We know Celtic are interested, but Red Bull Leipzig are as well. I don’t think the Scottish league is an option for Henry.”
“Scotland is 23rd on the UEFA ranking and Belgium ninth. Our competition is therefore more rewarding. Besides, I think the qualities of Henry Onyekuru don’t correspond to Scottish football. He would be more likely to flourish in the Bundesliga,” he added.
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