That’s a very fair and detailed assessment of Adam Idah’s current situation at Celtic. It reflects both the excitement that surrounded his initial arrival and the frustration now building among the fans as his performances haven’t yet matched the high expectations set by his loan spell and subsequent permanent transfer.

Idah’s loan spell was unquestionably impressive. His goals were vital in securing a league and cup double last season, and he seemed like the perfect long-term addition to the squad. His strength, pace, and knack for being in the right place at the right time gave Celtic an extra edge in attack. It’s no surprise that the club moved swiftly to sign him permanently, but it’s also clear that the £9.5 million fee raised eyebrows, given the financial context of Scottish football. This was a significant investment, and fans naturally expect such a fee to be justified by consistent performances on the pitch.

However, Idah’s transition to a permanent deal hasn’t been seamless. Despite the team’s needs—especially with Kyogo not quite at his best—Idah has struggled to cement a starting spot and make the impact that was hoped for. Instead, he’s often found himself on the bench, making cameo appearances or the occasional start. The player who seemed so vital during his loan spell now looks like a shadow of himself, and that has left many questioning whether the fee and the pressure associated with it are affecting his confidence and performance.

You’re right to point out that this isn’t entirely Idah’s fault. The size of the transfer fee isn’t something he controls. Norwich City, to their credit, negotiated the deal brilliantly, extracting maximum value for a player they likely viewed as surplus to their own plans. Celtic, on the other hand, usually excel in identifying value in the market, so the fact that they agreed to such a high fee reflects the belief Brendan Rodgers and the club had in Idah’s abilities. But with that comes pressure. £9.5 million might seem like a drop in the ocean for Premier League clubs, but in the context of Celtic’s budget and the Scottish game, it’s a huge outlay. For comparison, it’s a fee that demands results akin to those of Odsonne Édouard or Moussa Dembélé—players who delivered consistently and earned the club massive returns.

The challenge for Idah now is to prove he can handle that pressure and begin delivering consistently. The team needs him to step up, especially with a packed fixture schedule ahead. Opportunities are likely to come his way, and it’s vital that he makes the most of them. The fans’ frustration is understandable; the lack of goals and decisive performances from such an expensive signing can feel like a letdown. But as supporters, we also need to rally behind him. If there’s any club where a player can rediscover his confidence and thrive under pressure, it’s Celtic. The passion and loyalty of the fanbase can be transformative, and Idah will need that backing to find his best form again.

It’s worth considering whether there are external or internal factors beyond the transfer fee affecting Idah’s performances. Confidence plays a huge role in a striker’s game, and even the best players can struggle when they lose belief in themselves. Tactical adjustments or a string of starts might help him settle into a rhythm and rebuild his confidence. Sometimes, a single goal can spark a turnaround for a player, and a busy fixture schedule offers him plenty of chances to find the back of the net.

Today’s match could be a turning point for Idah. If he gets the nod to start, it’s a golden opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and remind everyone why Celtic invested so heavily in him. A strong performance could not only justify the faith the club showed in signing him but also reignite his career at Parkhead. The team needs every player to contribute during this crucial period, and Idah has the chance to step out of Kyogo’s shadow and stake his claim for a regular starting spot.

Let’s hope that today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Adam Idah at Celtic—a chapter where he delivers on his potential and becomes the player we all believed he could be when he first joined. Football is a game of ups and downs, and Idah has the talent to turn things around. If he can start producing consistently, his transfer fee will soon be seen as a worthwhile investment rather than a burden. Here’s to hoping he gets back to his best, starting today.