Gyrano Kerk celebrates after scoring (Getty Images)
According to a report from RTV Utrecht (h/t The Scotsman), Celtic are keen on signing Utrecht winger Gyrano Kerk after having a bid rejected for him in the January transfer window.
Kerk, 24, came through the youth academy of HFC Haarlem, before spending a year at the DWS Amsterdam Youth Academy (2010-11). He was then picked up by Zeeburgia before being signed up by Utrecht in 2012. Having progressed rapidly through the youth ranks at the club, Kerk spent a season out on loan at Helmond Sport in 2015/16, where he impressed with 7 goals and 9 assists.
Following that, the 24-year-old Dutchman became a first-team regular at FC Utrecht. Till date, he has racked up 135 appearances for the club, with 33 goals and 36 assists to show for.
Celtic, meanwhile, were crowned the champions of Scotland for the 9th time in a row. Neil Lennon’s side will now be chasing a historic tenth consecutive Premiership title next season. And for them to achieve their target, they must ensure that the squad is strong, with adequate depth across all positions.
To that end, the Hoops must look to strengthen in the wide areas heading into new season. Both Daniel Arzani and Mohammed Elyounoussi’s loan deals with the club have run out. In addition, Jonny Hayes was let go of the club upon the expiry of his contract. This has left Celtic with just James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and Maryan Shved as the options on the wings.
None of them, apart from Forrest, have been regulars in the starting XI under Lennon. Johnston’s season has been blighted by injuries, while Shved has struggled to adapt to life in Scotland. Hence, Celtic should secure the transfer of another winger come summer. And Utrecht’s Kerk would be a viable option for the Scottish champions.
The 24-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Dutch giants. He finished the 2017/18 campaign with 8 goals and 7 assists in 41 games, followed it up with 9 goals and 12 assists in the previous season. He has bettered that tally in 2019/20, bagging 11 goals and 12 assists in just 30 games, indicating that his career graph is on an upward curve.
Kerk’s form in recent years, coupled with his experience, would make him a fine addition for Celtic. His arrival would add some much-needed depth and quality to their squad on the flanks.
With Celtic losing as many as three wingers at the end of the 2019/20 campaign, it would serve them well to bring in reinforcements in the summer. Kerk, to that end, would be a good choice for Neil Lennon & co.
The Dutchman has been in fine form in recent years and enjoyed his best season so far in 2019/20. His signing would elevate the quality of the squad while adding more depth to the attack.
