Zalaegerszeg striker Eduvie Ikoba has suggested that he would ‘consider’ a move to Celtic when asked about reports linking him with Ange Postecoglou’s Scottish Premiership champions.
With 31-goal top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi expected to stick around for at least another season – and with January recruit Oh Hyeon-Gyu getting better all the time – any new striker coming into Parkhead will have his work cut out trying to nail down a regular place under Ange Postecoglou.
That is the challenge potentially facing Eduvie Ikoba, then; Fussball Europa reporting that Celtic are in ‘constant contact’ with a 25-year-old American who, at 6ft 4ins, would give Postecoglou’s frontline a different, more physical, dimension.
Celtic reportedly face competition from Bundesliga, MLS, Ligue 1 and Serie A clubs.
And while Ikoba is in no mood to nail his colours to any particular mast just yet, the former AS Trencin targetman did suggest in conversation with All Nigeria Soccer that a move to Parkhead would potentially appeal to him.
Is Eduvie Ikoba on his way to Celtic this summer?
“I haven’t really been focused on any of the transfer rumours. Nothing is guaranteed until a contract is signed,” Ikoba begins when quizzed directly about those Celtic links.
“If the right opportunity arises, I would definitely take time to consider it of course!
“I don’t have a dream club, or even league. My main goal is to play at the highest level possible, wherever that may be.”
Stuttgart and Toulouse are among those reportedly battling Celtic for Ikoba’s signature. But if the striker wishes to play at the ‘highest level possible’, this can only be an advantage for a Hoops side looking forward to another run at the Champions League. Especially with Stuttgart facing relegation to the German second tier and fellow suitors Toulouse destined for a mid-table finish.
“At the moment I’m a player of ZTE FC (Zalaegerszeg) in Hungary. My focus is on preparing for the next season,” Ikoba adds. “If an opportunity comes in the summer, I’ll have to discuss with the club and see what they say.
“The biggest difference between this season and previous has been my mentality. I’ve always had my own strengths and individual qualities, and they have improved over the years I’ve been professional.
“But being able to stay focused and hard working has been one of my biggest strengths.”
Celtic are reportedly looking into a deal for long-time target Xavier Mbuyamba too. The former Barcelona and Chelsea defender – so impressive in 2022/23 at FC Volendam – could arrive to provide competition for the outstanding Cameron Carter-Vickers in the right-sided centre-half role at Parkhead.
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