Celtic fear competition as West Ham enter race to sign 17-goal star Gonzalez
Celtic now fear competition from West Ham United could derail their move to sign 17-goal wonder striker Martin O’Neill.
O’Neill: Celtic “still fighting” despite “setback”
After two late wins from two, O’Neill admitted that Celtic cannot afford to leave it too late if they are to keep up with Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Now, for a week, the experienced manager has been proven right. What looked like strength and durability against Kilmarnock and Livingston turned into weakness for Hibernian as the visitors hit the Bhoys late on for another title.
That defeat left Celtic trailing Hearts by six points and two of their Old Firm rivals, Rangers with a game in hand on both. At this stage, the title is in Hearts’ hands, but O’Neill is not giving up.
He told reporters: “It’s taking us back. We’re still a long way from finishing. At home it’s hard to ask but we’re still fighting. We played really good football. We went into the break 1-1 and we should have been ahead.
“The removal of players has a big impact. We had momentum at that time. We had chances in the second half and if you don’t put them aside, something can happen on the other side.”
Played 0 minutes vs Hibs: The Celtic dud is a bigger flop than Balikwisha
This Celtic player who did not play against Hibernian on Sunday looks like a bigger flop than Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
Tough questions will be asked of the Celtic board at the end of the season following a tense campaign. They will have to respond to demands about employment and, perhaps more, about their management search that reflects the bad timing of Wilfried Nancy.
Whether it’s O’Neill in charge next season or another name, the Hoops should back their manager by investing this summer – starting with adding an attacking spark.
To that end, Tomas Cvancara’s men could still arrive permanently and could be joined by an impressive strike partner in Armando Gonzalez.
Celtic and West Ham are battling to sign Gonzalez
According to reports in Mexico, as relayed by Sport Witness, Celtic are now racing to sign Gonzalez and West Ham. The Boys are in dire need of a new man to lead the line next season and it is clear why the Deportivo Guadalajara striker is on their list.
The same can be said for West Ham. The Hammers solved part of their problem by signing Taty Castellanos in the January transfer window, but another option certainly wouldn’t go amiss with Callum Wilson’s contract expiring this summer.
Who wins the race to sign the best player is the big question. Celtic will fear interest from the Premier League will sway Gonzalez, but there is yet to be a tangible move from either club.
Having scored 17 goals in just 24 appearances in all competitions this season, to say the 22-year-old is a pure goalscorer would be an understatement. Give him a chance and his form in Mexico suggests he will have no problem finding a goal.
The 25-year-old international striker is publicly offering to join Celtic on a permanent deal this summer
The Hoops are facing a turbulent summer.
After such a disappointing campaign, signing Gonzalez would be a great way for West Ham and Celtic to start their summer transfer windows.
