If Celtic sign Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo this summer, then it would be ‘a good piece of business’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Hoops have successfully raided the English Football League for several exciting young stars in the past and could go down a similar path by targeting the 22-year-old over the coming months.
What is the latest news involving Celtic?
In recent times, the likes of Matt O’Riley, Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide have all arrived from the EFL with mixed success as Celtic continue to search for undiscovered gems.
And they certainly found one in Dembele, who joined the Glasgow giants from Fulham back in July 2016 following the expiration of his contract in west London.
The former France Under-21 international established himself as a firm fans’ favourite at Celtic, registering 51 goals and 18 assists in 94 appearances for the club as they won eight major trophies during his time with them.
However, despite Ange Postecoglou’s charges reclaiming their Scottish Premiership crown last term, they could arguably do with some extra firepower in the final third of the pitch.
Albian Ajeti looks destined for the exit door, and long-term target Semenyo, who has been described previously as “dangerous”, could be the ideal candidate to replace him, following in Dembele’s footsteps.
What has O’Rourke said about Semenyo?
When asked if Semenyo could replicate Dembele’s success at Celtic, O’Rourke stated that that’s ‘up for debate’ but did reveal that he thinks the 22-year-old could be an astute acquisition.
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In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He’s done well at Bristol City, whether he could have the same impact as Moussa Dembele had when he arrived from Fulham, that’s up for debate because Dembele was a real top signing for Celtic when they did get him.
“He showed that with his goals under Brendan Rodgers that helped them win so many trophies and also played in the Champions League as well. So, I think Semenyo does look a good player, and if Celtic could land him, I think it could be a good piece of business.”
Is Semenyo a realistic target?
According to Bristol World, Celtic have previously scouted Semenyo, who has bagged 19 goals and set up a further 22 strikes in 137 senior appearances throughout his career.
The same outlet claim that the Robins have placed a £20 million price tag on him, with manager Nigel Pearson recently stating that any deal has to be ‘right’ for the club.
Bristol are also believed to have the option to extend Semenyo’s contract by a further 12 months with his existing deal set to expire in the summer of 2023, meaning they hold all the cards when it comes to negotiations.
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