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6 goals, 4 assists – Celtic signing this in-form Norwegian star would get them a perfect Elyounoussi replacement

Why Celtic should go all out to sign Kristijan Lovric in January

According to Vavel’s sports writer Richard van der Wilshuizen (h/t The Scotsman), Celtic sent scouts to watch Kristijan Lovric play for Croatian team HNK Gorica in their 2-1 win over Hajduk Split last week. And the winger scored the opening goal of the game.

Kristijan Lovric, 23, joined HNK Gorica from NK Lokomotiva last summer and enjoyed a fantastic debut season, scoring 10 goals and assisting nine times in 30 games. He has set the house on fire in the 2019/20 campaign, with the winger already bagging six goals and four assists in 11 league appearances.

Thus, it is no surprise that the Croatian’s performances have caught the attention of Celtic. That being said, the Hoops must go all out to sign Lovric during the January transfer window.

Celtic are at the top of the Scottish Premiership table at the moment, with 28 points from 11 matches, level on points with second-placed and bitter Old Firm rivals Rangers. They have won the league title in Scotland for the past eight seasons but this time, the title race could go down the wire, with the Gers strengthening their squad over the summer.

If Celtic are to continue their dominance in Scotland, they’ll have to spend in January as well. A striker should be Neil Lennon’s priority as Odsonne Edouard is the only fit marksman currently in the squad, with Vakoun Issouf Bayo injured and Leigh Griffiths lacking match fitness.

An injury to Odsonne Edouard would lead to crisis, potentially hurting the Hoops’ chances of winning their ninth successive league title. While signing a back-up striker for Edouard is a must, Lennon should also prepare for life without on-loan Southampton winger, Mohamed Elyounoussi.

The Norwegian endured a difficult 2018/19 campaign at Southampton following his move from Molde. However, he has regained his form for Celtic, providing 4 goals and 3 assists in 8 appearances so far.

As Elyounoussi would go back to Southampton at the end of the season, it would be feasible for the Bhoys to look at Kristijan Lovric as a potential Elyounoussi replacement ahead of next season.

A left-winger by trade, Lovric is also adept playing on the right or through the middle.

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In the video below one can see the 23-year-old’s style of play and the qualities he could bring to Celtic if a move goes through.

Verdict

The potential acquisition of Lovric will undoubtedly bolster Lennon’s attacking options at Celtic whilst also replacing Elyounoussi, who will return to Southampton at the end of the season.