Adam Idah insists he at all times had his coronary heart set on a transfer to Celtic after lastly sealing his everlasting switch from Norwich Metropolis in a deal value as much as £9.5million.
The Republic of Eire worldwide striker has signed a five-year cope with the Scottish champions after a formidable mortgage stint throughout the second half of final season.
His arrival adopted information that Southampton have all however pulled out of the race to signal midfielder Matt O’Riley, probably paving the best way for a transfer to Atalanta.
Idah scored 9 objectives in 19 matches final time period, together with a late winner towards Rangers within the Scottish Cup remaining as Celtic accomplished a home Double.
Regardless of a protracted pursuit as Celtic and Norwich sought to thrash out a deal, the 23-year-old final night time claimed his coronary heart was at all times in Glasgow.
‘I feel everybody knew the place I needed to be,’ mentioned Idah. ‘It’s wonderful for me and I’m delighted to be again.
Adam Idah is clearly delighted to be again at Celtic Park after his transfer from Norwich
The Irish striker will get reacquainted with the dressing rooms following his return
Adam Idah is trying ahead to sporting the No9 shirt now he’s a everlasting signing
‘It was wonderful to get all of these objectives and to be in with the boys and to see these wonderful followers week in, week out was unbelievable.
‘I’ve by no means skilled something prefer it and I’m simply so glad to be again.
‘I at all times needed to play for Celtic and clearly final season was wonderful. To come back right here now and be absolutely part of the crew and part of this membership is wonderful to me.
‘Everybody again residence, all my household and pals, all of them needed me to return again to Celtic, myself included, so it’s huge and I’m simply so glad to be right here.’
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers’ believes it’s a press release of intent for the membership to fork out a big charge and tie Idah down on a long-term deal.
‘We’re delighted to welcome Adam again to Celtic on a everlasting foundation and we’re so happy he has agreed this new five-year contract with the membership,’ mentioned Rodgers.
‘The membership has completed brilliantly to safe this long-term deal. We’re investing in a participant of actual high quality who will likely be essential for us over the following few years.
Celtic followers hope to see the type of kind that noticed Idah rating winner in Scottish Cup remaining
The Irishman turned a favorite with Celtic followers after they have been initially not sure about him
Southampton have pulled out of the operating for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley
‘He has already has given us a lot, performing fantastically for us on mortgage and actually delivering for the membership and our followers final season.
‘Adam has unbelievable attributes and is a dynamic, hungry, dedicated participant who could make an actual distinction.
‘Actually importantly, Adam feels at residence at Celtic, he has a love and fervour for the membership and I do know he will likely be giving all the things to as soon as once more deliver our followers success.’
In the meantime, Southampton have backed out of the race to signal O’Riley.
Getting ready for his or her return to the Premier League, the St Mary’s membership are understood to have lodged a bid for the Denmark worldwide earlier this summer time.
Whereas they might but return to the desk with an improved supply after their season opener at Newcastle on Saturday, supervisor Russell Martin is adamant that the 23-year-old will not be at the moment on their radar.
Requested concerning the possibilities of going again in for the participant – believed to be the topic of a earlier £14million bid from the membership – ex-Scotland defender Martin mentioned: ‘We’re not within the race proper now.’
That leaves Atalanta as clear favourites to signal the Parkhead star. Experiences in Italy on Wednesday night time claimed the Europa League winners had tabled a renewed bid of £21.5m.
Even with add-ons believed to quantity to £1.7m, the package deal nonetheless falls in need of Celtic’s £25m valuation for a participant whose contract runs till 2027.
Atalanta, who will compete within the Champions League this season, are unlikely to take no for a solution, having simply agreed a deal to promote Dutch worldwide Teun Koopmeiners to Juventus.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s aspect xxxxx towards Actual Madrid within the UEFA Tremendous Cup final night time.
Leicester and Brighton might but enter the race for O’Riley, who joined Celtic from MK Dons for £1.5m in 2022.
