Adding a new striker is expected to be one of Celtic’s main priorities as the January transfer window unfolds. The lack of a reliable goalscorer has been an ongoing issue, with the current options failing to fully convince. Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada have struggled to establish themselves as dependable starters, while Kelechi Iheanacho’s time at the club has been disrupted by fitness problems and inconsistent performances since his arrival in the summer.
Daizen Maeda’s remarkable goal return last season raised expectations, but replicating that output has proven difficult. The Japanese forward has found the net just eight times in the current campaign, although his recent return of four goals in nine matches under Martin O’Neill offers a glimmer of encouragement.
Despite that, Celtic’s need for greater firepower remains clear. That search may now take the club to Germany, with a Bundesliga-based forward reportedly under serious consideration, even though his league scoring record this season raises eyebrows.
According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are assessing a potential move for Union Berlin striker Andrej Ilić and have identified him as a leading candidate to strengthen their attacking options during the winter window.
Celtic weigh up January move for Bundesliga striker
While Ilić’s overall contribution has been solid, his goal return tells a more complicated story. The Serbian forward has registered nine goal involvements across 17 appearances this season, but only one of those has been a goal, prompting debate over whether he represents the type of striker Celtic urgently require.
Historically, Ilić has only posted strong scoring numbers at two clubs in his career, Latvian side RFS and Norwegian outfit Vålerenga. Elsewhere, his output has been more modest, which naturally leads to questions about how effective he would be in a demanding environment like Celtic Park.
If Celtic do press ahead with the move, there will inevitably be scrutiny over whether Ilić can deliver consistently at the highest level. It may also strengthen the argument that one addition may not be enough, and that Celtic could require multiple attacking reinforcements this January to ensure they have sufficient depth and quality leading the line for the remainder of the season.
