Celtic deal 'agreed' for Bundesliga ace as O'Neill answers fans cries for a new number nine in transfer window
The 6’ 3” Borussia Monchengladbach man is set for his Parkhead medical on Wednesday.
Martin O’Neill is closing in on making his first new signing in his third Celtic managerial stint.
In there recent Scottish Cup battle with Auchinleck Talbot, chants of ‘sign a player’ echoed around Rugby Park as supporters voiced their frustrations at Celtic’s lack of transfer movement. So far, Julian Araujo from AFC Bournemouth remains the only new addition after former boss Wilfried Nancy signed him on loan.
In a match Celtic were hoping to win by five or six against sixth tier opposition, the narrow 2-0 win further highlighted the need for more attacking reinforcements, particularly as we approach the business end of the season with the title race hotting up.
Both Celtic’s title rivals have been busy themselves strengthening in attacking areas, with Hearts signing Kazakh winger, Islam Chesnokov and Rangers acquiring Danish International, Andreas Skov Olsen on loan. As O’Neill reiterated the importance of new arrivals before Celtic’s weekend trip to Tynecastle, they now look as if they’ve found their man.
Hoops agree loan deal for Cvancara
According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph: “Celtic have agreed a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach striker Tomas Cvancara. It is understood the clubs have agreed a loan deal with an option to buy. The Czech Republic international is travelling to the UK ahead of undergoing a medical on Wednesday.”
At 6’ 3”, Cvancara would provide a physical presence at the top end of the pitch for O’Neill’s side and give them another out ball. The 25-year old isn’t happy at his current club due to manager Eugen Polanski often deploying him out wide in an unnatural position.
The Czech International has made eight appearances for his country, scoring once in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Poland. He was signed by Gladbach from Sparta Prague for £9 million back in 2023 after notching some impressive numbers back in his homeland, however he has since struggled to acclimatise to the Bundesliga, scoring just five goals in 48 appearances.
O’Neill set for ‘essential’ first signing
After their last league win against Falkirk, the Celtic boss stressed the importance of bringing a new number nine in sooner, rather than later, with The Hoops’ top of the table clash at Tynecastle around the corner. While the Cvancara addition looks as if he may have his wish, after the match he hinted there may be more attackers to come in.
He said: “remarkably, I think we are. We're definitely a bit closer. To me, it's essential. Absolutely essential. I think we know that. Obviously, we can't change the squad around for the Bologna game. But all next week, we would like to have some people in for Hearts.
“If it was at all possible. I'd be hoping by some stage next week that we'd have people there. We need somebody who can maybe find the net for us. And if not, then somebody maybe who could hold it up and bring other people into the game.”