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5 players Celtic could sign as Leigh Griffiths' replacement amid Parkhead exit links

Daily Record logoDaily Record 8/04/2021 15:58:52 Gabriel McKay

In what is already set to be a summer of change at Celtic, it could be the end of the Leigh Griffiths era.

The striker has been at Parkhead since January 2014, scoring 122 goals in 254 games to date.

As confirmed by John Kennedy though the final year of his four-year contract signed in 2018 is optional, and Celtic may not take it up.

That would allow the Scotland international to leave on a free transfer, as well as giving his club a headache in trying to replace him.

Here, Record Sport uses scouting tool InStat to look at five players with similar attributes who could potentially be in the frame.

Cauley Woodrow

Cauley Woodrow looking at the camera: Cauley Woodrow of Barnsley © Getty ImagesCauley Woodrow of Barnsley

Capable of playing through the middle or out wide, Woodrow has been prolific since moving to Barnsley.

He's hit 41 goals in 105 appearances and isn't afraid to shoot from range.

His current deal runs until 2023 and at 27 he should just be coming into his peak.

Jessic Ngankam

A Germany youth international, Ngankam had a fine scoring record for Hertha Berlin's B team.

This season he's been promoted to the first team squad but has been limited to 12 substitute appearances and one goal.

That did come against Bayern Munich though and it's clear the 20-year-old has quality.

Hertha won't want to sell, but if Celtic can push the boat out in terms of a fee they should be able to sell Ngankam for a big fee down the line.

Dennis Eckert

He's not playing at the highest level for Ingolstadt but Eckert has been a good goalscorer in recent seasons.

The 24-year-old is right-footed instead of left but in most other respects bears a striking resemblance to Griffiths.

Eckert has the pace to run in behind and likes to drift out wide, but is also well capable of playing the poacher role.

He's only playing in the German third tier but could work as a low-cost gamble.

Joshua Zirkzee

a man holding a racket on a court: Bayern Munich's Joshua Zirkzee © REUTERSBayern Munich's Joshua Zirkzee

Clearly not a permanent option, but the Bayern Munich rising star could be available for loan.

The 19-year-old joined Serie A side Parma in January but has made just four substitute appearances and is ripe for another temporary move next season.

If Bayern want him to become accustomed to playing for a big club where winning is an obligation every week, there are worse places than Celtic.

Alfie May

a group of young men playing a game of football: Alfie May of Cheltenham Town is tackled by Farrend Rawson © Getty ImagesAlfie May of Cheltenham Town is tackled by Farrend Rawson

A player who has made it to the professional game the hard way, May came up with the likes of Erith & Belvedere and Hythe Town.

Now at Cheltenham Town in League Two he'd be strictly a backup option - but that's what Griffiths has been for most of this season.

Not the most glamorous option but he'd come cheap.

jeudi 8 avril 2021 18:58:52 Categories: Daily Record

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