Celtic Linked With Move For This West Ham United Flop: Will The Forward Fit Into Lennon’s Plans? | OneFootball

According to a recent report by the Daily Record, Premiership giants Celtic are said to be eyeing up a potential summer move for the services of West Ham United flop signing Albian Ajeti. The Swiss striker had arrived at the London Stadium from FC Basel last summer with a massive reputation, but it’s safe to say that he has struggled to settle into life in England. The report suggests that the Celts have added the forward to their striking wish-list for the summer and that the player is also keen on a more regular role in the team as well.

Although it has been clarified that Celtic are interested in West Ham United’s Albian Ajeti, the fact that the Hammers initially acquired him for a price in the region of £8m could come as a stumbling block. The report further claims that the Scottish side are likely to try and acquire the Swiss international on loan, while the London club are still said to be demanding a large fee despite this. A variety of clubs from both the Premier League and the Championship are said to be chasing the West Ham United striker’s signature in the summer.

What Is Celtic’s Current Strike Situation?

The Celts have been on a pre-season tour to France over recent days, and their fixtures against the likes of Nice, Lyon and PSG have highlighted the quality they actually possess in the centre-forward position. Odsonne Edouard has been the Hoops’ most important player over the last couple of seasons, and his presence in the side next season is sure to be important. The biggest point of motivation for Neil Lennon going into the Premiership campaign will be the form being showcased by January signing Patryk Klimala.

Despite the presence of Leigh Griffiths in the roster, there’s every possibility that the 21-year-old will be tasked with the role of being the second choice. The youngster has featured in all three of the Bhoys’ friendlies over the last week, and it’s safe to say that his performances against the likes of Nice and Paris Saint-Germain were steps in the right direction.

With that said though, the question marks surrounding the future of Edouard will surely come as a cause for concern. If the Frenchman were to depart Parkhead this summer, they’ll likely need a new striker brought in before entering the upcoming league campaign.

What Makes Albian Ajeti An Attractive Option For Celtic?

The striker arrived at the London Stadium from FC Basel as a highly-rated prospect, but things haven’t quite worked out the way he might’ve been hoping for. The Swiss international’s playing time under David Moyes has been extremely limited, with all nine of his appearances in the league this season coming off the bench. The player is undoubtedly on the hunt for playing time next term, and Celtic are likely to be able to offer him that. The fact that he hasn’t scored a single goal for the Hammers side could come as an added boost to the Bhoys’ transfer ambitions.

Celtic Are Interested In West Ham United’s Albian Ajeti: Should Lennon Sign Him Up?

Lennon has been known to play with two strikers leading the line at certain points, and Ajeti could be the ideal contender to partner up with someone like Edouard or Klimala up-front. The 23-year-old was formerly renowned as a deadly finisher of the ball in the final third, but for various inexplicable reasons, he has been unable to find that killer touch in a West Ham shirt.

A change of environment could be exactly what he needs to start firing on all cylinders again, and Lennon will do well to offer him just that at Parkhead next season. The financials will obviously need to be worked out, but if a decent enough deal is struck with the Hammers, then there’s no reason why the Celts shouldn’t try and get this deal over the line in the summer.