As the clock ticked towards 11pm on transfer deadline day, Celtic’s search to replace star striker Kyogo Furuhashi hit a wall.
Linked with Danny Ings and Kelechi Iheanacho in the last week, head coach Brendan Rodgers has said he wanted Celtic to emerge from the transfer window with a squad that was stronger than the one he entered it with. While that is of course up for debate, it is hard to deny the inability to replace their former Japanese hitman before the window close leaves them looking a little short up top.
Adam Idah has shown he can step up in his absence, scoring three goals in his last two games, but his back-up options come in the form of inexperienced youngsters Daniel Cummings and Johnny Kenny, though many will attest Daizen Maeda can revert from a wide-left position to feature more centrally if required.
With free agents still very much an option for Rodgers, we decided to look at the best striking options to him, should he decide to take that route. It is slim pickings, but should injuries hit, it could be a case of needs must for the Northern Irish manager.
Here are 9 free agents strikers Celtic could target for transfer - and three alternative options already in their squad.
9. Jaroslaw Niezgoda
A Polish striker who recently ended his four-year stint with Portland Timbers. Although he missed much of last season with an ACL injury, his experience in the MLS could make him an interesting pick-up for teams looking for depth or a project. He is the most efficient goal scorer in MLS history, converting on over 48% of his attempts while playing for Portland. Highly-unlikely, but an option all the same. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. ALTERNATIVE OPTION - Daniel Cummings
Daniel Cummings has reportedly agreed a pre-contract deal with West Ham United, though Celtic's rejection of their deadline day offer to make the deal permanent before then was interesting. Could Brendan Rodgers opt to go for the talented teenager rather than delve into the transfer market? Johnny Kenny is another possible option. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. ALTERNATIVE OPTION - Daizen Maeda
With Jota returning to Celtic during the window, can Maeda move into a more central position in order to offer back up to Adam Idah? | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group