Sport Nation 2Celtic FC, reigning champions of the Scottish Premiership, remain a formidable force under Brendan Rodgers. With an unbeaten start in 11 league games and a spot in the League Cup final, the Hoops continue to demonstrate their dominance. Adding to their success, the team has collected seven points from four Champions League matches, marking a promising European campaign. Despite this strong form, Rodgers recognizes the need for further reinforcements, particularly in the striker position, as the January transfer window approaches.
Striking Challenges Under Rodgers
While Celtic’s overall performance has been impressive, questions linger over their attacking efficiency. Kyogo Furuhashi, once prolific under former manager Ange Postecoglou, has struggled to replicate his best form under Rodgers. The Japanese forward, who scored 54 goals in 83 games during Postecoglou’s tenure, has managed only 25 goals in 66 appearances since Rodgers returned to Parkhead.
Furuhashi’s workload was somewhat eased by the arrival of Adam Idah from Norwich City last season. The Irish striker showed promise, netting nine goals in 18 games at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. However, his current season return of five goals in 16 appearances has fallen short of expectations. Rodgers, who previously emphasized the need for three quality strikers, seems to be searching for a reliable goal scorer who can emulate Moussa Dembele’s success during his time at Celtic.
Dembele’s Legacy at Celtic
Moussa Dembele remains one of Rodgers’ most successful signings. Arriving at Celtic from Fulham in 2016 for just £500,000, the then-19-year-old French striker became an instant sensation. In his debut season, Dembele scored 32 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, including a memorable hat-trick against Rangers and a brace in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester City in the Champions League.
Over his Celtic career, Dembele scored 51 goals in 94 games before securing a £19.7m move to Lyon in 2018. His success story is a testament to Celtic’s ability to develop young talent, and his performances under Rodgers have set a benchmark for what the club seeks in a center-forward. With 18 assists alongside his goals, Dembele was more than just a scorer; he was a complete forward capable of creating opportunities for his teammates.
Celtic’s Next Target: Mathias Kvistgaarden
As Rodgers aims to bolster his squad, one name has emerged as a potential solution: Mathias Kvistgaarden. The 22-year-old Danish striker, currently playing for Brondby, has caught the eye of Celtic scouts. Reports suggest that the Hoops have closely monitored Kvistgaarden’s recent performances, with his stats this season showcasing his potential.
Kvistgaarden has been in sensational form, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in 20 games during the 2024/25 season. His ability to both score and create mirrors the attributes that made Dembele a standout at Celtic. In total, the young striker has registered 37 goals and 17 assists in 108 appearances for Brondby, averaging a goal contribution every two games.
Comparing Kvistgaarden to Dembele
While Kvistgaarden’s experience is limited compared to Dembele’s when he joined Celtic, his potential is undeniable. Dembele arrived at Parkhead with 19 senior goals to his name, and Kvistgaarden’s current output suggests he could follow a similar trajectory. His versatility as a striker, combining goal-scoring with creativity, makes him a promising candidate to lead Celtic’s attack.
However, concerns about consistency remain. Kvistgaarden managed only ten goals in the previous season, raising questions about whether he can maintain his current form. Nevertheless, his development this season indicates a player maturing into a reliable performer.
Financial Considerations
One potential obstacle in pursuing Kvistgaarden is the financial aspect. Brondby reportedly values the striker at £8.5m, a significant sum for a club like Celtic, especially after investing £9.5m in Adam Idah. Whether Celtic is willing to make such a substantial outlay remains uncertain, particularly with other areas of the squad also requiring attention.
Adding to the challenge is competition from other clubs, including Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion. Celtic must act swiftly if they hope to secure Kvistgaarden’s signature, as his rising profile is likely to attract more suitors.
Strengthening for Domestic and European Success
For Celtic, securing a new striker is about more than just maintaining domestic dominance. The club’s aspirations extend to competing at a higher level in Europe, where they have struggled in recent years. Adding a player like Kvistgaarden could provide the attacking firepower needed to compete against top European teams.
Rodgers has made it clear that complacency is not an option, particularly with rivals like Aberdeen posing a serious challenge in the league. Strengthening the squad in January could be pivotal in ensuring Celtic remains on course for another successful season.
Other Potential Reinforcements
While Kvistgaarden is a prime target, Celtic is also reportedly monitoring other players to enhance their squad depth. Nicolas Kuhn, for instance, has been a standout performer for Celtic this season, scoring ten goals from the right flank. The German winger’s contributions have alleviated some of the pressure on the strikers, but Rodgers knows the team needs more options in the center-forward role to maintain consistency.
Additionally, rumors suggest Celtic is interested in Motherwell’s Lennon Miller, an exciting young talent. The club’s ability to develop and integrate such players into the first team has been a hallmark of their success, and Miller could follow in the footsteps of other young stars who have flourished at Parkhead.
Rodgers’ Vision for the Future
Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic has been marked by a focus on rebuilding and evolving the squad. While the team’s current form is impressive, the manager’s pursuit of perfection underscores his commitment to sustained success. Bringing in a striker like Kvistgaarden aligns with Rodgers’ vision of creating a team capable of competing on all fronts.
Celtic’s history of nurturing young talent and turning them into stars gives the club a unique advantage. Players like Dembele, Kieran Tierney, and Virgil van Dijk have all benefited from the club’s environment, and Kvistgaarden could be the next name on that illustrious list.
Conclusion
As the January transfer window approaches, Celtic faces a critical decision. Strengthening their attack with a player like Mathias Kvistgaarden could be the key to maintaining their domestic dominance and making an impact in Europe. While financial and competitive challenges exist, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.
For Celtic fans, the prospect of another Moussa Dembele-esque signing is an exciting one. If Rodgers and the club’s hierarchy can secure their targets, the future at Parkhead looks brighter than ever. With the right additions, Celtic could solidify their position as Scotland’s top team and continue to grow their reputation on the European stage.
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