Premier League striker should complete Celtic return

As we approach the end of another season, attention will slowly start turning towards the summer transfer window, even though Celtic still have a lot to play for. We are already starting to see the club being linked with several players, with the latest being Mohanad Jeahze of Hammarby and Ola Solbakken of Bodo/Glimt. And it is safe to say that there will be several more over the coming weeks and months.

Celtic have enjoyed a very good season till now and unless they undergo a late season collapse, they could be headed towards an unlikely double, not something many would have expected after the 2020/21 campaign they had.

That does not mean that there are not areas to improve in this squad though. Far from it. And one of them could very well be striker, with Albian Ajeti looking set to be headed for the exit door.

Thus, Celtic could need to sign a striker in the summer even though they do not need to splash out there, with Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis already in the squad. Could this be the perfect opportunity to bring back a former star though, who has made quite a name for himself since departing the club. A certain Teemu Pukki.

Why bringing back Pukki would make sense for Celtic

While not mathematically impossible to overcome, it does feel like Norwich City are headed for the drop again.

If that turns out to be the case, it will leave Pukki in an interesting situation. He is 32 years of age and his current deal runs out in the summer of 2023. As a result, this could very well be his only chance to get a last big move.

Pukki never quite got it going at Celtic but has proven himself to be an excellent striker since then. He has scored more than 25 goals in a season in the English Championship on more than one occasion and crossed the 10-goal mark both times he has played in the Premier League, which is impressive considering Norwich City have not been great as a team either time.

Yes, a lot of eyebrows will be raised about making a move for a striker who is beyond 30 years of age. But it must be pointed out, that Celtic do have a pretty young frontline at the moment, with Kyogo, Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda. They also signed Johnny Kenny in January.

In fact, the club could do with the experience of someone like Pukki, who has been prolific in recent seasons and would almost come with the guarantee of goals. He does not have injury problems either and is very fit. And at 32 years of age, only one year left on his contract, and with Norwich City most probably going down, the Finland international could be available for a solid bargain fee. That would be perfect for Celtic, as striker is not a position they need to splash out on right now.