Celtic suffer massive blow in race for 16-goal striker

Celtic could be in need to sign a striker in the upcoming summer transfer window, as it does feel like Albian Ajeti could finally be headed out of the club. He arrived from West Ham United in the summer of 2019, with the Hoops believed to have shelled out a £5 million transfer fee to sign him. Following a bright start at Parkhead, it just has not worked out for him though and after a couple of disappointing campaigns, it might be time to part ways.

Celtic have some quality depth up top right now. Kyogo has been incredible ever since coming in from Vissel Kobe in the summer, even though he has had to deal with a couple of significant injuries. On the other hand, Giorgos Giakoumakis has come into his own since the turn of the year and might be the club’s most in-form player right now.

Daizen Maeda has not looked great when playing up top on his own but he is capable of filling in there as well. But if Ajeti did indeed leave, Celtic would need to bring in a replacement.

As reported by L’Equipe, Celtic would have already made a €3 million transfer offer for Alexandre Mendy although Caen are believed to be holding out for more for the striker who has found the back of the net 16 times this season till now. And now, it looks like the Hoops have been handed another blow.

Celtic suffer another massive transfer blow in race to sign Mendy from Caen

As reported by Ouest-France, when asked whether he would be at Caen next season, Mendy said:

"“I cannot guarantee it 100% because anything can happen in football. But I’m looking for stability, I’m happy here with a good staff, a good team, in a beautiful region, a beautiful city. I feel good and I signed a 4-year contract, so I have two left. I have a little one who will be born in Caen between July and August. I am very happy.”"

Recently, Mendy’s advisor, Yacine Ayad, had also declared that the striker would be staying at Caen next season. His current deal with the Ligue 2 side is believed to run till the summer of 2024.

After moving from one club to another through the course of his career, including the likes of Bordeaux and OGC Nice, Mendy finally appears to have found stability at Caen, enjoying his first 10-plus goal league campaign at the age of 28.

He refused to completely rule out a move though and it will be interesting to see if he changes his mind if Celtic come calling.