Caleb Ekuban reacts after scoring his frist hat-trick against AEK Athens (Image credit: Google)
According to Karar (h/t Daily Record), Celtic are interested in Trabzonspor centre-forward Caleb Ekuban.
The 26-year-old Ghanaian has caught the attention of the Scottish side after his top-notch displays for Turkish top-flight leaders Trabzonspor this season.
Super Lig side Trabzonspor are having an impressive season, sitting on top of the table with 15 wins from 26 games. They have surprised the likes of domestic giants such as Galatasaray and Besiktas with their stand-out displays in attack this year.
They have scored 59 goals in the league and Ekuban has been a vital part of that side. Despite getting injured twice this season, Ekuban has netted 8 goals for Trabzonspor across all competitions this year.
He has also managed to give 6 assists, giving a fair idea of the talent that he possesses. However, this is not the first time his performances have garnered such attention.
Ekuban moved to Trabzonspor permanently just last summer after an impressive loan spell with them in the season prior to this. He scored a noteworthy 8 goals from 36 games in his maiden season after arriving at Celtic Park on a season-long loan from Championship outfit Leeds United.
His standout performances didn’t go unnoticed, as the Turkish side signed him permanently that summer.
Celtic have seasoned campaigner Leigh Griffiths and winter arrival Patryk Klimala in the finisher’s role apart from the prolific Odsonne Edouard. However, 29-year-old Griffiths is far from his prime, while Klima has not yet impressed manager Neil Lennon.
Hence, Celtic’s pursuit of Ekuban makes complete sense. Predominantly a centre-forward, Ekuban’s versatility has seen him being deployed as a second striker or a winger by manager Hüseyin Cimsir. Out of his 15 league appearances, he has played nine times on the flank, which speaks volumes about his ability to adapt to any role in the attack.
This could be really handy for Lennon’s side next season if they wish to stay on top next season too. Moreover, Ekuban’s arrival can offer competition to the likes of Griffiths and Klimala, offering manager Lennon plenty of options in attack. He can act as a second striker alongside Edouard, having proved his potential in the last two years.
Ekuban has proven his goalscoring ability and would be a good addition. He still has plenty of time to improve and could develop under Lennon if a move happens. Thus, Celtic must continue their pursuit of Ekuban and try to land him soon.
