Why signing Vakoun Issouf Bayo would represent a big coup for Celtic
According to a report from Sky Sports, Celtic have had a £1.8m bid rejected by Slovakian side Dunajska Streda for striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo.
Vakoun Issouf Bayo, 21, has contributed 18 goals and 7 assists in 23 games for Dunajska Streda this season. The Ivorian appears to be Brendan Rodgers’ top target in the January transfer window.
Celtic lost 1-0 to Rangers last weekend, meaning they now sit joint-top of the Scottish Premiership with their bitter Old Firm rivals. Celtic and Rangers are close in the Scottish Premiership, although the former are only ahead of their bitter Glasgow rivals on goal difference at the summit but with a game in hand.
The Hoops need at least one striker to bolster their attacking options. The position has been a problem area for Celtic this season, with Odsonne Edouard left with all the responsibility in front of the goal following Leigh Griffiths’ decision to take time away to deal with ongoing personal problems.
Not to forget, Rodgers is yet to replace Moussa Dembele, who sealed a summer transfer deadline day switch to Lyon. That said, Celtic could do a lot worse than adding a player like Vakoun Issouf Bayo to their side, which would give Brendan Rodgers’ men a massive boost.
Vakoun Issouf Bayo may be an unknown talent but he’s been exceptional for Dunajska Streda this season so far, although in a lowly Slovakian league. The youngster has been firing all cylinders, impressing with his displays and catching the eyes of Celtic.
In Bayo, Celtic would get a monster in front of the goal. The Ivorian’s physicality and aerial prowess allow him to beat central defenders in the air and bring others into play. A fast and agile attacker, the 21-year-old is a potent threat to the opposition off the ball as he keeps lurking inside the penalty area to capitalise on any half-chance that comes his way.
Furthermore, Bayo is also good at holding the ball up and has the ability to time his jump to perfection to win the aerial balls. All in all, he would give Rodgers’ side a different option in the final third.
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If Celtic are serious about getting the deal done, then they need to push hard and make an ambitious bid to lure Bayo to Parkhead.