Coming into the January transfer window, Celtic were expected to sign a striker. That has not happened till now, with just a little over a week left to make signings this winter. Of course, the fact that Kyogo was not selected by the Japan national team for the AFC Asian Cup has made things a bit easier for the Hoops and reduced the urgency to bring in a centre-forward quickly.
Celtic need to make the most of the time that they have though. They still do need to sign a striker this month.
Kyogo has delivered in the big games, like he always does, but his rate of scoring goals is certainly not what it was under the management of Ange Postecoglou. On the other hand, Oh Hyeon-gyu has shown flashes of brilliance but remains as inconsistent as ever.
Celtic could certainly do with someone proven. Someone who can come in and immediately deliver goals. And there are not many better options around than Lawrence Shankland, who has been the best striker in Scotland this season so far.
£4 million striker backed to make blockbuster Celtic move
Shankland has been in fantastic form this season. He has scored 18 goals already and delivered against both Celtic and the Rangers.
Someone like Shankland would be a great signing for Celtic. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Stephen McGinn told Go Radio:
"I don’t see why not (Celtic go in for Shankland).
“Celtic need another striker.
“Kyogo rubber-stamped his status as the main man in the recent Rangers game. But what they don’t probably have is when Oh comes on with about 20 minutes to go and you are chasing a result, he just doesn’t quite have that knack that Shankland has of nicking that goal. So, I am sure he is spoken about.
“Lawrence Shankland in his career had hit rock bottom, in terms of ability-wise. He had fallen out of the team at St Mirren in his second spell. Didn’t have the best time at Morton. Drops down to Ayr in the third tier of Scottish football and really gets it going again.
“And now he is a Scottish international, who has been linked with Celtic, so it’s probably that one last step for him in his career. That’s what everyone is looking for him to make."
It remains to be seen if Celtic do end up making a move for Shankland or not. It would not be simple to sign the Hearts captain in the middle of the season. On top of that, he has also been linked with the Rangers.
If Celtic are able to sign Shankland, it has the potential to be a fantastic move. He is a brilliant striker and someone who is almost certain to deliver goals, which is exactly what the Hoops need right now