Celtic told to sign £3 million Hearts player in January

Celtic are leading the Premiership title race right now. But the AFC Asian Cup in the middle of the season could prove to be a turning point, as a number of the Hoops’ players could go away on international duty. As a result, the January transfer window will be very important for the club. They cannot afford to go on a bad run of form with the Rangers getting results following the appointment of Philippe Clement.

Striker could prove to be an area of worry in January. Kyogo and Oh Hyeon-gyu could both find themselves playing in the AFC Asian Cup. One would expect Japan and South Korea to make deep runs into the competition as well.

If both were picked by their respective national teams, it would leave Celtic with no strikers. If even one ends up getting selected, there would be zero depth in that position.

Thus, Celtic might need to sign a striker in January, who could come in and immediately settle into the starting XI. And a Hearts player might be the solution.

Celtic told to sign £3 million Hearts player in January

As reported by TBR Football, Mark Guidi said The Go Radio Football Show:

"“The thing is if Celtic sign a striker he’ll be playing. He’ll be a first-team striker because the guys will be away [on international duty].“I think Hearts will have bids to deal with in January and I think now for me, he’s a minimum, £3m striker.“For Celtic, what do you want? If you’re assessing someone like Lawrence Shankland what are the plus points?“He knows the league inside out. He can score goals with his eyes shut. He’s a right good player. There’s no bedding in time as in any language barriers or moving to a new country.“And if the fee is £3m or £3.5m, Celtic can afford to do that with their eyes shut.“I’m not saying he is the absolute number one for them, but just somebody that’s under your nose, I don’t think there’s many better than Lawrence Shankland.”"

While signing Shankland would not be most Celtic fans’ first choice, one cannot deny that a move would make sense. What the Hoops might need in January is for someone to come in and immediately deliver goals, because both Kyogo and Oh might be away on international duty.

Shankland has proven himself for various teams in Scotland. He already has 10 goals to his name this season, more than any Celtic player. He also scored 28 goals across all competitions last season.

He is also 28 years of age and in his prime. Thus, there would be no time required for him to settle in or wait for him to reach his potential. He would be a player for the here and now. And that might be exactly what Celtic need in January.