Celtic’s Pursuit of Mohamed Bayo: A Potential Game-Changer in the January Transfer Window, he will be a terror to Rangers fans
The January transfer window has been open for more than two weeks now, and Celtic are yet to make a significant signing to bolster their squad ahead of the second half of the season. However, that doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been a lot of work going on behind the scenes as Brendan Rodgers and the recruitment team look to add to the group before next month’s deadline.
One player who has emerged as a potential target for Celtic is Lille centre-forward Mohamed Bayo. According to Foot Mercato, the Scottish giants are one of several teams interested in signing the 26-year-old striker, who has struggled to make an impact at Lille since joining the club from Clermont Foot in the summer of 2022.
Bayo’s Form at Clermont Foot
Before joining Lille, Bayo had established himself as a prolific goal-scorer in Ligue 2 with Clermont Foot. In the 2020/21 season, he scored 22 goals and created nine ‘big chances’ in 34 starts, almost a goal or a ‘big chance’ created every start on average.
His impressive form at Clermont Foot earned him a move to Lille, but things haven’t gone as planned for Bayo at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. He has only managed seven goals in 45 appearances for the club to date, and has found himself struggling to get regular game time.
Why Celtic Should Sign Mohamed Bayo
Despite his struggles at Lille, Bayo’s form at Clermont Foot suggests that he has the potential to be a prolific goal-scorer in the right team. Celtic’s manager Brendan Rodgers has a proven track record of getting the best out of his players, and if he can help Bayo to recapture his form from his time at Clermont Foot, he could be a game-changer for the Scottish giants.
Kyogo Furuhashi, the first-choice striker at Celtic this season, has scored ten goals and missed a whopping 17 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership. Bayo’s finishing quality, as demonstrated by his form at Clermont Foot, could make him an upgrade on Furuhashi from a finishing perspective.
The Potential for a Big Impact
If Celtic can bring Bayo in and offer him regular game time, he could make a huge impact in the final third. His ability to create ‘big chances’ for his teammates, as demonstrated by his form at Clermont Foot, could also be a major asset for the Scottish giants.
The signing of Bayo would be a big gamble for Celtic, given his struggles for form and game time at Lille. However, if Rodgers can help him to recapture his form from his time at Clermont Foot, he could be a game-changer for the Scottish giants.
Other Celtic News
Celtic have also been linked with a move for Aston Villa winger Louie Barry, as well as LAFC attacking midfielder Mateusz Bogusz.
The Scottish Premiership leaders have reportedly lodged an enquiry over the possibility of a deal to bring Barry to the squad, while they are also said to be interested in a swoop to bring Bogusz to Parkhead.
Celtic are also close to signing Kieran Tierney on a pre-contract agreement to return to Glasgow for a second spell when his deal at Arsenal expires in the summer.
Conclusion
Celtic’s pursuit of Mohamed Bayo is an intriguing one, given his potential to be a prolific goal-scorer in the right team. If Brendan Rodgers can help Bayo to recapture his form from his time at Clermont Foot, he could be a game-changer for the Scottish giants.
However, the signing of Bayo would be a big gamble for Celtic, given his struggles for form and game time at Lille. Only time will tell if the Scottish giants decide to take a chance on the 26-year-old striker.
What do you think, Celtic fans? Should the club take a chance on Mohamed Bayo, or should they look elsewhere for a new striker? Share your thoughts in the comments below.