Celtic have been strongly linked with a move for Efe Ambrose to solve their defensive problems.
Neil Lennon identified a central defender as a priority when he signed Jaroslaw Fojut in January but the Bosman deal was cancelled due to injury.
The departures of Glenn Loovens, Darren O’Dea and Daniel Majstorovic have left Celtic short on numbers but it’s quality that Lennon is looking for.
Twenty-three-year-old Ambrose is a regular in the Nigerian national side and has been playing for FC Ashdod in the Israel league for the last two seasons and is valued in the £1.5m region.
A work permit would be required as he is a non-EEC citizen but with 14 caps and Nigeria in the top 75 FIFA nations that should be a formality.
Lennon would probably prefer to bring in a more experienced defender to help Charlie Mulgrew and Thomas Rogne but has found it difficult to attract those type of players on the Celtic budget.
Ambrose does fit the profile of potential signings being under 25 and an internationalist playing outwith the major leagues. Celtic have recently been looking more and more towards African signings with Victor Wanyama perfectly fitting the signing profile.
Since clinching the title at Kilmarnock in April Lennon has tinkered with his formation by switching to a back three from the traditional four at the back.
Adam Matthews and Emilio Izaguirre seem ideally suited to play as wing-backs but unless he can find the right partnership in central defence the hoops boss is likely to go with a back four for the start of the new season.
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Sounds someone who has come to the attention of John Park rather than put up by his agent which is promising. We have done well recently with the majority of our unknown signings so hope we have unearthed another gem.
Dam…..now reading that he was recommended by Kayal’s agent. Well hopefully we get a chance to review him properly before jumping in.
Also see we have a Gareth McDonagh with the U20s squad in Portugal – not a name I am familiar with.
As far as you can judge from a highlights video, he looks like the type of player we need: wins headers, clears his lines, comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Buy him and bring back Bobo, and I’ll be happy.
Must be honest and say that I had never heard of the boy. Looks decent enough but I dont think we can glean too much from the video. However if we do sign him and he turns out half as good as Victor, that should please most people!
HH!!
I’ve no doubt Kayal and his agent have spoke to Lenny about this boy. I’ve seen him play a few times on TV and to be honest he’s one of those players that just gets the job done in a very in-flamboyant way. Big lad, strong in the tackle and of course in the air and pretty comfortable with the ball at his feet.
I’d say for the money he’s worth a punt.
The guy does look big and powerful but you can’t really judge him from this I think celtic have a very good scouting team and if kayal or his agent thinks he’s decent, then he’s young enough and experienced enough to get a chance