Kyogo’s transfer request last summer helps explain Celtic’s higher than expect investment in signing Adam Idah
When want-away striker Kyogo got his move – and it should be noted that Celtic were aware of the Japanese striker’s wish to leave last summer, thus perhaps explaining why Celtic were forced o over-pay for Idah – it was thought that this would present Idah with his big chance to be the first pick Celtic striker.
Daizen Maeda though got the chance and has certainly done more than enough to lead the line at Celtic, with form that is likely to propel him towards collecting every Player of the Year going.
Daizen – 30 goals and counting. Photo BBC Sport
None of this is Adam Idah’s fault and it’s possibly going to be next season now before we see the best of him. That’s not to say there’s not more to come in this campaign which has five post split league matches to go plus whatever happens in the Scottish Cup.
Stan Petrov talks up the Celtic strikers
Stan Petrov was speaking to the media at Hampden Park earlier this week and gave his thoughts on Adam Idah’s time at Celtic, which he accepts has been far from plain sailing. And the former Celtic midfield reckons having played in the middle of the park, the value a player like Adam Idah brings to the side that benefits the likes of Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor.
Adam Idah celebrates after his shot leads to an own goal, and the only goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and BSC Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
‘As a midfielder the distance is big’
“He hasn’t been able to settle to have 10, 15 games where he can show what he can do,” Petrov said, via PLZ.
“I like Idah. I think he’s got certain qualities. He’s a typical number 9. He’s completely different than Maeda. I believe the team plays differently when Idah is there. As a midfielder, I loved to play with a number 9 who can link up play. Who can free some space for me. Who’s closer to me.
“Maeda is completely different. He is quick. He always looks behind. He never really comes close. As a midfielder the distance is big.
Adam Idah scores his team’s first goal past Emiliano Martinez during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Adam Idah scores Celtic’s second goal past Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
‘With Idah, you saw him link with Arne Engels and Reo Hatate the other day’
“With Idah, you saw him link with Arne Engels and Reo Hatate the other day. They have so many opportunities because they can link up. He’s always there. They find space and timing to run into that space at the right time.
“So I think he just needs to be patient. He just has to work hard. Hopefully he will have that opportunity to get a good run of the games. He can show what he can do and just stabilise his form a little and get a little bit of momentum,” Stan Petrov added.
Petrov continued: “Listen, he’s been under not a big pressure. Because the team is doing well. They’re scoring goals. They’re creating chances.
Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 2-0 lead. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, Glasgow, 12 April 2025. IMAGO Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
‘Maeda 31 goals, you can’t complain’
“Obviously, Maeda 31 goals, you can’t complain. In a big team, sometimes you just have to wait for your chance. When you’ve got the opportunities, you have to take those opportunities. That’s a problem in a big team. You have to wait.
“But in fairness, he hasn’t had a long run of the games where he can settle, get the momentum, get the tempo of the team. And start from the beginning. Because he can definitely score goals.”
Diazen Maeda ☘️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/Jzfgau77DB
— ° (@lukemccowann) April 16, 2025
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A natural striker who works hard in every game doesn’t need anyone to make excuses for “indifferent form”. Truth is, Celtic were taken to the cleaners by Norwich City, they paid three times Idah’s worth. Best way forward is for Celtic to sign a proven goal scorer and either bench Idah or move him on at a financial loss. He’s never going to become a sensational striker for the club. At best, he’s average.