According to the Scotsman, Celtic scouts were present during the Champions League tie between Red Star Belgrade and Napoli. It is still a mystery as to whom exactly they were scouting but there is a possibility that Celtic were scouting Red Star Belgrade star Richmond Boakye.
Celtic have made a shaky start to the new Scottish Premiership season and currently sit third in the table, three points behind table-toppers Hearts. One of the Hoops’ biggest problems has been a significant lack of goals so far this season.
Prior to the 6-0 win against St. Johnstone, Brendan Rodgers’ boys had scored just seven goals in seven league games, which does suggest a lack of attacking firepower in the squad. The loss of Moussa Dembele on transfer deadline day has left Celtic light up top, with Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths being the only senior strikers.
Edouard is Celtic’s record signing but the young striker has failed to replicate his form from last season, with injuries also hampering his progress. Griffiths has delivered the goods whenever called upon but Rodgers simply cannot rely on a single centre-forward to shoulder the responsibility of scoring goals.
Hence, Rodgers must prioritize signing a striker in January and he could do a wonderful job by landing Richmond Boakye.
Boakye, 25, has scored 42 goals in 51 appearances for Red Star Belgrade over two spells. Despite being just 25, he has featured for eight clubs in China, Serbia, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.
As far as his playing style is concerned, Boakye is a strong and powerful centre-forward, blessed with explosive pace, agility and good technique. His pace and physique would make him a handful for defenders in the Scottish Premiership, whilst his high work-rate makes him an ideal fit for Rodgers’ style of play at Parkhead.
Apart from being a fearsome player in the air, the Ghanaian is a top predator with intelligent movement. Boakye is a clinical finisher in front of the goal and his ability to hold up play adds more value under his banner.
Boakye’s potential arrival could freshen up Celtic’s squad and make them a dangerous force going forward. The Ghanaian forward would add quality as well as depth and considering his age, he should be able to adapt to the Scottish Premiership.
All in all, the 25-year-old has all the attributes to become a smash hit under Rodgers at Celtic.
