Scott Allan’s reflection on Adam Idah’s position at Celtic adds a layer of clarity to the ongoing debate surrounding the Irish striker’s future at the club. Idah’s transfer from Norwich City, which cost Celtic £9 million, was a bold move, especially given the substantial fee, marking him as one of the club’s highest-ever signings. His initial six-month loan stint was impressive, with key goals against Hibernian, Motherwell, and Rangers, and it seemed to many like Celtic had secured a bright talent who could make an immediate impact at Parkhead. The decision to turn that loan into a permanent deal, just after Celtic’s Scottish Cup victory, seemed like a statement of faith in his ability, and understandably so, considering his form in those key moments.
However, Idah’s journey since that permanent move has been less straightforward. While his goal tally of 14 in 45 appearances isn’t something to dismiss outright, the issue lies in the context behind those numbers. Many of those 45 appearances have come as a substitute, often when the game is nearing its conclusion. As a result, Idah’s impact has been limited, especially in comparison to the red-hot form of Daizen Maeda, who has become an almost indispensable figure in Celtic’s attack. Maeda’s blistering 30-goal haul this season has cemented his position as the club’s first-choice striker, and this has had a ripple effect on Idah’s opportunities. Even the shock departure of Kyogo in January to Rennes, which might have opened up more opportunities for Idah, hasn’t resulted in a significant increase in his playing time.
The fact remains that Idah’s competition for minutes isn’t just limited to Maeda; Celtic’s attack is packed with depth and versatility, and other players such as the likes of Luis Palma, Sead Haksabanovic, and others in the wide attacking positions are also vying for their spots in the starting XI. This creates an environment where it’s difficult for a player like Idah, who doesn’t quite fit the mold of a typical Celtic forward, to break through. His physicality and presence as a traditional number 9 are qualities Celtic can use, but the system Brendan Rodgers has implemented often demands mobility, pace, and pressing ability—traits where Maeda excels.
From a tactical perspective, Maeda’s ability to press high, track back, and contribute to both attacking and defensive phases of the game has made him an indispensable figure. His all-around work rate and adaptability to various attacking systems have made it clear why he has established himself as the main striker, leaving Idah struggling to carve out a regular role. It’s a dilemma many strikers would find frustrating: coming off the bench and being expected to make an immediate impact, knowing that the bar has been set high by someone who is constantly delivering. Idah’s current role has turned him into more of a backup striker, someone expected to provide a spark when needed, but never quite enough to dethrone the man ahead of him.
Scott Allan’s view that Idah must leave Celtic to reignite his career seems to have a lot of merit. The situation is one that many players in similar predicaments have found themselves in at both Celtic and Rangers over the years. The Old Firm clubs, due to their vast resources and high expectations, have an abundance of talent in every position, and this can often make it difficult for players who aren’t starting regularly to grow and develop. For a player like Idah, who has the raw talent but is being limited by circumstances, regular playing time is essential to his development. Without it, he risks stagnating, and in the highly competitive world of professional football, stagnation can quickly lead to players being overlooked or forgotten.
The idea of moving away from Celtic for more playing time may seem like a tough decision, particularly given the club’s stature, its Champions League involvement, and the prestige that comes with playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs. But for Idah’s long-term development, it might be the most sensible option. There is a risk that if he remains at Celtic, he could be relegated to the status of a fringe player, and his growth as a striker could be limited. As Allan suggests, moving to a club where he is guaranteed more minutes, potentially in a less demanding environment or in a team that plays to his strengths, could help him find his rhythm and rediscover the form that made him such a promising talent in his earlier years.
It’s important to note that Celtic, like many top-tier clubs, will always look to improve its squad, and it seems likely that they will target reinforcements for the forward positions during the upcoming transfer window. This would further increase the competition for places, and Idah’s opportunities could become even more limited. The club might even look for a player with a more dynamic style of play to complement Maeda, and as Allan points out, this could be the breaking point for Idah, who may feel that his time at Celtic has come to a standstill.
From Idah’s perspective, moving on doesn’t mean his career is over—it could be the chance he needs to thrive in a more tailored role. For instance, a move to a club where the tactical setup is more focused on his strengths—physicality, aerial ability, and hold-up play—could provide the platform he needs to excel. Clubs in the English Championship or elsewhere in Europe might be particularly interested in him, where he could be the focal point of the attack and get the consistent minutes he needs. A move abroad could also offer him a fresh challenge, allowing him to rediscover his best form in a new environment, away from the pressure of constantly competing with the likes of Maeda for minutes.
Moreover, there’s the opportunity for Idah to prove that his potential was never truly realized at Celtic, not because of a lack of talent but because of the circumstances that limited his playing time. Moving to a club where he’s given the responsibility of being the first-choice striker could not only help him improve but also restore his confidence and belief in his abilities. It’s a chance for him to take ownership of his career and determine his own future, without being stifled by the competition at Celtic.
In conclusion, while Adam Idah’s time at Celtic has not been the fairytale many hoped for when he made his permanent move, it’s far from the end of his career. The €9 million price tag might have raised expectations, but it also brought with it the pressure of living up to those expectations. Whether he stays at Celtic and continues to fight for his place or moves elsewhere for more playing time, his future remains in his hands. A move to another club, one where he can be the first-choice striker, could prove to be exactly what he needs to rekindle his career and reach his potential. For Celtic, it’s a matter of whether they continue to invest in a player whose opportunities are limited or seek a different option to bolster their already strong attacking unit. Either way, Adam Idah’s next steps are crucial in shaping his future and determining whether his promise can be fully realized.