Celtic are about to make a significant investment in Adam Idah, a striker who, let's face it, is still far from unanimous. With £8.5 million at stake, plus bonuses, Brendan Rodgers seems determined to bet big on the young Irishman again, but is all that money really worth what Idah delivers on the pitch? The answer, dear reader, is not so simple.
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Let's look at the facts. Adam Idah had a solid loan spell at Celtic, no doubt about it. He scored nine goals in 19 games, numbers that are not to be thrown away. And he had his moments of brilliance, helped the club win important titles, and left the fans with fond memories. But let's face it, nine goals in 19 games isn't exactly enough to justify such a significant sum. When we talk about £8.5 million, we're talking about a sum that could well be used to strengthen other areas of the squad or even invest in a more decisive striker.
The problem is not just the amount itself, but the gamble Celtic are taking on a player who, however talented, has yet to prove he can be a long-term reference point. Idah had his ups and downs at Norwich City, where he scored just 17 goals in 116 games. That average of less than one goal every seven games is worrying. Of course, he had some good moments in Scotland, but the reality of the Scottish Championship is very different from that of the Championship, where he failed to establish himself as a first-team regular.
Now, Brendan Rodgers is trying to bring him back to Parkhead permanently, in an operation that, if it goes wrong, could cost the club dearly. Idah isn't a bad player, far from it, but £8.5 million is a figure that puts enormous pressure on his shoulders. And let's face it, the last thing Celtic need is a player who can't handle that pressure.
Idah's situation at Norwich City also raises some red flags. The fact that he faced disciplinary action at the English club after missing a flight to the pre-season camp in Austria is not a good sign. It shows a side of the player that might worry. Does he have the right mentality to be the guy Celtic need? Will he be able to cope with the intense pressure that comes with being one of the most expensive players in the club's recent history?
Another point that can't be ignored is the transfer market. With £8.5 million, Celtic could well look for safer and perhaps even cheaper options. European soccer, and especially South American soccer, is full of promising youngsters who could be acquired for similar or even lower sums, and who offer a more interesting potential return. A good example of this is the strategy adopted by clubs like RB Salzburg and Ajax, who constantly identify undervalued talents, invest in them and reap the rewards in the future, whether on the pitch or in lucrative transfers.
The point is that by investing in Idah, Celtic are, in a way, putting all their eggs in one basket. If the Irishman doesn't live up to expectations, the club could be left with no room to strengthen other areas of the squad, especially at a time when competition in the Scottish Premiership is becoming increasingly fierce. Rangers and Aberdeen, for example, are moving well in the market and promise to give us a hard time this season.
And let's not forget the pressure for results in Europe. Celtic need a strong and balanced squad to compete in European competitions, and the signing of Idah, promising as it may seem, could end up limiting Brendan Rodgers' options for strengthening the attack and even other positions. If Celtic really want to make a splash in Europe, they need more than a striker with potential. They need a complete squad with quality replacements who can adapt to different scenarios and challenges.
The signing of Adam Idah may well be seen as a bold move on Celtic's part, but it's hard not to wonder if all that money could be better invested in other areas. Soccer is a game of risks, and perhaps Brendan Rodgers is willing to take that risk, betting that Idah will establish himself as a key cog in Celtic's attack. But if things don't turn out as expected, the club could end up paying dearly for that decision. In the end, only time will tell whether this was a masterstroke or a mistake that Celtic will bitterly regret. For now, it's time to wait and see if Idah really is worth every penny of that investment.