After missing out on Iheanacho, Rodgers confirms Celtic were in the market for a striker this winter

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club attempted to sign a striker in the January transfer window but was unable to complete a deal. 

The Hoops were linked with a move for Nigerian center forward Kelechi Iheanacho, but negotiations failed to materialize into a transfer.

Speaking after Celtic’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Dundee, Rodgers acknowledged that while the club had intended to strengthen their attack, they will now rely on the squad’s existing options.

"It's finished and we have a tight group of players. We wanted a striker but it wasn't to be and there is an opportunity for someone else," Rodgers told Sky Sports.

Despite missing out on a new addition, Rodgers expressed confidence in his team's attacking depth, highlighting the contributions of his wingers and other goalscorers.

"We have two wingers on 17 or 18 goals between them and others contributing," he said. "You can see from tonight, they are really hungry and we have plenty of goals in the team."

Celtic had reportedly been in discussions with Sevilla over a possible loan deal for Iheanacho, but talks stalled, allowing Middlesbrough to move ahead in their pursuit of the Nigerian striker.

While the January window did not bring a new forward to Parkhead, Rodgers remains optimistic that his squad has the quality to maintain their goalscoring form for the remainder of the season.

Wale Adejumo

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com