Adam Idah has undoubtedly made a significant impact since he joined Celtic on loan from Norwich City in January.
Initially seen as Norwich’s third-choice striker with minimal attention, the 23-year-old has transformed into a Celtic hero as his loan spell nears its end this month.
Idah’s crucial goals against Rangers in both the league and the Scottish Cup final endeared him to Celtic fans, who now eagerly anticipate Brendan Rodgers’ efforts to secure him permanently.
Reports indicating the Celtic board’s support for Rodgers in acquiring Idah further fuel excitement among Hoops supporters about the potential outcome of this move.
Sutton believes Celtic will have to spend generously to acquire Idah
Yet, the price could exceed the initial £5 million Norwich sought for Idah, with Chris Sutton suggesting Celtic might need to pay twice the initial amount mentioned.
Sutton mentioned on the Monday Night Club, “I find this situation quite challenging, and I empathize with the frustration felt by Celtic fans. However, consider when Ange Postecoglou arrived and focused on the Japanese market, which offered quality players at reasonable prices.”
“But it’s what level Celtic are prepared to go to in terms of a development player? And you look at the money down in the English Premier League and it’s it’s difficult because there are no guarantees.”
“But you have to look at what Brendan Rodgers is doing. Brendan Rodgers is an outstanding coach, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. And he is a developer of players.”
“But the big debate at Celtic now amongst the Celtic fan base is Adam Idah.”
“Adam Idah is on a long-term contract at Norwich, there was no deal in place where he would sign for Celtic at the end of the loan.”
“Now what would you price Adam Idah at? And that’s the difficulty. I suspect he may be something like £7m, £8m, £9m. Norwich may want even more.”
“I think he is on quite a long-term contract there. But, remember Odsonne Edouard when he signed for Celtic from PSG?”
“I think he was £9m. So Celtic may have to splash out they might not like doing it but they have to pay that.”
Given his nine goals this season, I would argue that £5 million is a reasonable sum for a player who Norwich recently considered not good enough to start for them just four months ago.
If Sutton’s information is accurate, I’m concerned that Celtic might be deterred by the figures he mentions and opt to pursue other targets instead.
As much as I’d welcome Idah’s signing, anything above £5 million, perhaps even £6 million, might surpass the Celtic board’s budget, a sentiment I share.
Realistically, Idah’s value skyrocketed thanks to Celtic’s interest. Asking for a fee around £9 million would be unreasonable, and Celtic would be justified in withdrawing from negotiations.
Hopefully, both clubs can find common ground and strike a reasonable deal for Idah, as he would greatly enhance Celtic’s squad for the upcoming season.
