One of the clubs based in England’s second tier have already ruined Rangers’ first-team plans this summer. Now, they may be about to do the same to Old Firm neighbours Celtic.
Rangers appeared to be on the verge of sealing a deal to bring Jose Cordoba to Ibrox at the start of May. The then-Levski Sofia defender had even arrived in Glasgow for talks – taking in a Scottish Premiership match-up with Kilmarnock, per Rangers Review – before deciding that life on the other side of Hadrian’s Wall suited him better.
Cordoba would eventually seal a £3 million move to Norwich City.
And, not content with merely taking Rangers’ first-choice centre-back target, The Canaries’ new head coach is now slamming down the shutters on a deal that would take Adam Idah back to Celtic.
Well, for the time being anyway.
Adam Idah in limbo as Norwich wait on Celtic target
HITC reported a week ago that Johannes Hoff Thorup was keen to take a closer look at Idah in pre-season before deciding on whether to include the Republic of Ireland international in his plans. Celtic, then, are in for a rather awkward wait.
Left in limbo as Norwich run the rule over their Cork-born centre-forward.
“He’s an exciting player,” Thorup explains of a man whoo joined Norwich’s academy in 2017, via the Scottish Sun. “He’s from here, and he’s been in the club so many years.
“(Idah) can do dangerous stuff up front. He’s fast, he moves well, he gets into these areas in the box where you decide games.
“So definitely, I will have a look at him. I think, otherwise, it will be stupid.”
This does not mean that Celtic’s hopes of welcoming Idah back to Parkhead are over. It’s just that any decision is likely to be put back now until a lot later in the summer window. That will certainly not be a welcome development for Brendan Rodgers, who is already weighing up what to do with fellow striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu.
Belgian side KRC Genk have reportedly made a £4 million bid, per Sky Sports. Celtic may be reluctant to cash in on Oh, however, until there is some more light shed on Idah’s own future.
“I’m still contracted to Norwich and have four years left there,” the Premiership and Scottish Cup winner told the Pink ‘Un this week. “I’m still going back to Norwich as it stands.
“I spoke briefly to Norwich about when I’m coming back. It’s difficult at the start of the window as it’s coming up to our summer holidays and we’re on internationals right now. I’ve never been in this situation before and don’t know much about how it works.”
Celtic hope £5m can get a deal done
“Look, I’m still at Norwich and I have four years at Norwich. They are my parent club and I don’t know what’s going on.”
Idah certainly arrived at Parkhead with his fair share of doubters. It was a signing which divided opinion. He quickly silenced any concerns, however, with many of his nine Celtic goals proving decisive in what would end up being a double-winning campaign.
Idah even scored the winner on what could prove to be his final Celtic appearance, profiting in the 90th minute after Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland made an uncharacteristic blunder at Hampden Park.
HITC understands that Norwich value Idah at £8 million. Celtic, however, are hoping a deal can be done for closer to £5 million.
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