OH Leuven are looking to replace Thomas Henry although the reported Celtic target is expected to join Serie A newcomers Venezia in the transfer window, as reported by Het Nieuwsblad.
The tears glistening in his eyes said more than words ever could.
After Leuven’s 1-1 draw with Charleroi a fortnight ago, Henry embarked on a lap of honour, applauding supporters as he went.
The striker wouldn’t confirm that meant goodbye but, in truth, he didn’t need to.
Henry’s departure is one of the worst-kept secrets in Belgian football.
Until now, however, where he’d ply his trade in 2021/22 was far less certain with clubs in Belgium and abroad looking to sign a 6ft 4in centre-forward on the back of his most prolific campaign yet.
Celtic look set to miss out on OH Leuven star Thomas Henry
Earlier this month, The Sun reported Celtic were “on the brink” of securing Henry’s £7 million-rated signature – much to the surprise of a former Hoops star now playing his football in Belgium.
Those hopes quickly faded, however, with Het Nieuwsblad making it clear the late-blooming Frenchman would have only joined the Hoops as a replacement for Odsonne Edouard.
And with Edouard expected to stay – his lofty price tag has had many suitors running for the hills – the £7 million fee required to sign Henry is too rich for Celtic’s blood.
It’s understood the old-school target man is on his way to Italy instead.
Henry missed Leuven’s 4-1 home defeat to KAS Eupen at the weekend as he boarded a flight to Venice.
“To replace a striker like Henry, who scored 21 goals last season, would require at least two strikers,” Leuven manager Marc Brys said. “We are looking for alternative profiles so we can play in a more varied way.”
Henry may be out of Celtic’s reach, then, but that doesn’t mean a striker won’t arrive at Parkhead during the next few days.
The Greece international would cost just £3 million – far less than his Belgium-based counterpart. Werder Bremen are also interested, though.
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