For one member of this Celtic squad, the events of the last week or so have raised more questions than answers with regards to his future at Parkhead.
By Adam Idah’s own admission, the Republic of Ireland international is none the wiser about where he will be plying his trade in 2024/25.
“I’m still contracted to Norwich and have four years left there,” Idah said, speaking via Pink ‘Un with pre-season beginning soon. “I’m still going back to Norwich as it stands.
“I spoke briefly to Norwich about when I’m coming back. It’s difficult at the start of the window as it’s coming up to our summer holidays and we’re on internationals right now. I’ve never been in this situation before and don’t know much about how it works.”
Idah was a revelation on loan at Celtic in the second half of last term. Nine goals in 19 games, and some pretty decisive goals among them too. Without him – three times Celtic’s stoppage-time matchwinner including at Hampden Park – a domestic double very easily could have become a trophyless campaign instead.
Adam Idah’s Celtic future uncertain
But will Idah return? HITC understands that there is a £3 million gap between the fee Celtic want to pay and the fee Norwich want to receive. New Canaries coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, meanwhile, is keen to run the rule over Idah before making any decision.
“Look, I’m still at Norwich and I have four years at Norwich,” adds the Cork-born 23-year-old. “They are my parent club and I don’t know what’s going on.”
It is not Idah, however, we were referring to in that admittedly rather cryptic opening paragraph. Perhaps the uncertainty over Idah’s future is why Oh Hyeon-Gyu’s own fate appears up in the air, Celtic maybe unwilling to green light one striker’s departure until they have a replacement nailed down.
The £2.5 million South Korean barely featured after Idah joined in January. In fact, Oh was only included in one of Brendan Rodgers’ final 11 Premiership matchday squads.
Celtic could yet earn a decent profit, KRC Genk reportedly submitting a £4 million bid recently, per Sky Sports. But with Oh in limbo until The Hoops receive an answer over Idah, there is a very real chance that the former Suwon Bluewings forward sees a potential fresh start in the Belgian Jupiler League slip through his grasp.
Genk now looking at alternative options
According to Het Belang van Limburg, Genk are ‘still negotiating with Celtic’ but have now identified Malagan’s Roberto Fernandez as an alternative. Fernandez has not only enjoyed a far better season than Oh – 20 goals in total – he also has a £5 million release clause in his contract.
One that, if triggered, will allow Genk to step on the accelerator and conduct a deal at a far quicker pace.
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