Uche Ikpeazu has scored just two Scottish Premiership goals for Hearts this season but will Celtic really pay £1m to sign him in January?
If Uche Ikpeazu has any ambition of pulling on the green and white hoops of Celtic, another misfiring display in front of goal will have done his hopes of a career-changing transfer no help at all.
In fact, the Hearts frontman did a potential move to Parkhead active harm during a dismal 0-0 draw with ten-man Livingston over the weekend. To make matters worse, Ikpeazu missed the game’s best chance in the second half, firing straight at Matija Sarkic after being played through on goal.
This means the former Cambridge United striker has scored just twice in 12 games this season and, while there’s more to his game than goals, a targetman famed for his hold-up play and physical strength could certainly do with finding the net on a more regular basis.
“We should win the game especially when you’re playing against 10 men. They were camped in and when you get a chance you have to take it. Unfortunately, I didn’t do that but I’ll work hard and look to put things right,” a clearly dejected Ikpeazu told the Daily Record.
“I did the right thing with the chance but the ‘keeper made a good save. I made a decision and I know I should have scored.”
The Hearts fans know it too. But, to Ikpeazu’s credit, he has come out publicly and held his hands up rather than striding through the mixed zone, head down and AirPods in.
According to The Sun, Celtic would have to pay £1 million if they want to bring the 24-year-old to Parkhead. But after scoring 12 goals in their last three games, following an impressive victory over Lazio with a 4-0 thrashing of Aberdeen, Neil Lennon’s side are hardly short of forward options right now.
In Odsonne Edouard, The Hoops have arguably the most impressive striker in Scottish football right now, a France U21 star with skill, power and brilliant movement, not to mention 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions. Leigh Griffiths still has a lot left to offer despite a difficult year off the pitch while the ferocious Vakoun Issouf Bayo can bully defenders on his day – providing the same kind of physical threat that Ikpeazu would offer.
Ikpeazu’s statistics suggest he’s simply a step below those already leading the line at Celtic.
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