Celtic Hit With ‘Double Whammy’ In Their Striker Situation: How Rodgers Should Handle The Crisis | OneFootball

Despite winning the Scottish Premiership and making a strong Champions League run, Celtic had a relatively quiet summer until the final few days. The board secured three new signings following fans’ backlash, yet they failed to bolster their squad up top, as Kasper Dolberg rejected a Parkhead switch in favour of a return to Ajax.

Brendan Rodgers initially blocked Adam Idah’s move to Swansea City, having eyed a replacement before sanctioning his exit. They eventually let him join the Swans, but only managed to tie down Sebastian Tounekti, who has featured as a winger so far in his career. Yang Hyun-jun has returned to Glasgow after his transfer to Birmingham City collapsed, and the Bhoys are now well-equipped down the wide, as they have further added Michel-Ange Balikwisha after months of negotiations.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 31: Daizen Maeda of Celtic is challenged by Nasser Djiga of Rangers during the Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

With Benjamin Nygren also capable of featuring from the wing, veteran James Forrest, along with Tounekti, Balikwisha and Yang, would offer more firepower on the flanks. Jota would return next year from his ACL injury, and the ample wide-attacking depth should now see Daizen Maeda as an outright ‘number 9’ similar to the past couple of outings.

Why Rodgers Should Rely On Maeda As His Centre-Forward Option

The Japanese ace primarily featured from the left during his Celtic tenure. However, Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure in the winter and the Hoops’ failure to bring in a marksman saw Maeda secure the centre-forward spot. His stellar scoring streak did not let them feel the absence of Furuhashi, but the Samurai Blue star has yet to hit the ground running early into the campaign.

Although he started the season as a left-winger, Idah’s dismal form forced Rodgers to make some alterations high up the pitch. He dropped Idah in favour of Maeda through the middle, with Yang and now Balikwisha featuring from the wide. The latter made his Celtic debut in the Old Firm derby, hours after completing his transfer from Royal Antwerp.

While the Belgian deserves more time to attune to the demands of the Scottish football, misfiring Maeda could not even test Jack Butland in Rangers’ goal in a tedious stalemate at Ibrox. The gaffer brought in Shin Yamada late in the contest, but the summer signing from Kawasaki Frontale has hardly impressed in limited gametime. They also have Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand among striking options, but neither of them is ready for a regular ‘number 9’ role.

Idah’s wastefulness and lack of work rate cost him his place, which led to a return to the English Championship. However, they have been unsuccessful in their attempt to snap up Dolberg, and therefore, must pray for Maeda’s form to avoid further setbacks.