Adam Idah’s first full season in the colors of Celtic has been one that has generated significant debate among supporters, pundits, and football fans alike. The 24-year-old Irish striker, who initially joined Celtic on a six-month loan deal, left a memorable mark in his debut season by scoring the winning goal in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. That crucial moment was always likely to lead to a permanent transfer, which Celtic did by securing his services last summer for a reported £9 million from Norwich City.

Given the stature of Celtic, their dominant history in Scottish football, and the high price tag associated with Idah’s transfer, expectations surrounding his performances were inevitably high. A £9 million fee for a player from the English Championship, especially one who had been part of a Norwich team relegated from the Premier League, came with a significant weight of scrutiny. For a club that demands not just success but dominance, Celtic supporters expected immediate impact from their new striker. While Idah has shown glimpses of his potential, there have been mixed opinions on whether he has truly lived up to the hefty price tag attached to him.

Idah’s performances have been under the microscope from the outset, and his season has been marked by both praise and criticism. His goal tally of 17 for the season is respectable, but the quality and significance of those goals have been called into question. Notably, a brace against Dundee United, which helped Celtic seal the Premiership title, was one of his most notable contributions, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion. However, even with this contribution, critics like former Celtic striker Andy Walker have suggested that his performances have been “steady” rather than outstanding. Walker’s comments imply that while Idah’s goal tally is not insignificant, it has lacked the consistency or flair that would justify the hefty fee that Celtic paid for him.

Walker’s criticism extended beyond just the quantity of goals, highlighting that while Idah had scored in important games, those goals were often not the game-changing, defining moments that fans might expect from a £9 million striker. For instance, while scoring a couple of goals against Aston Villa and his Cup final heroics were valuable, the expectation from a player with such a price tag was that he would provide more match-winning moments on a regular basis. Walker also suggested that a significant goal in a high-pressure game, particularly against Rangers at Ibrox, would go a long way in changing opinions about Idah’s true value to the team. In essence, the criticism boils down to the fact that, while Idah has been useful and effective in some games, he has not consistently delivered at the level expected of him.

However, the critique from Walker did not go unchallenged. One of the most unexpected defenders of Idah came from Craig Moore, a former Rangers player who is now a pundit, making his support for Idah all the more surprising. Moore, in his comments on Go Radio, argued that much of the criticism surrounding Idah was unfair. He pointed out that for the number of minutes Idah has played, his goal return has been impressive. Moore stressed that Idah has proven himself capable of finding space and getting into dangerous positions, which are fundamental traits for any striker. He also pointed out that it is not the player’s fault that Celtic chose to pay £9 million for him. The suggestion from Moore was that the criticism should be directed more towards the club’s decision-making regarding the transfer fee, rather than towards Idah himself, who can only perform to the best of his abilities with the opportunities presented to him.

Moore’s defense was nuanced. He acknowledged that the expectations placed on Idah were tied to his transfer fee, but he also emphasized that those expectations were not fair to the player, as they do not account for the actual contributions he has made on the pitch. For example, his goalscoring instincts, his ability to be in the right place at the right time, and his work ethic have been valuable assets to Celtic’s attack. Moore also pointed out that Idah’s performances should be viewed in the context of his playing time. Idah has not had the consistent starting role that some of his teammates, such as Daizen Maeda, have had, and this lack of regular minutes on the pitch makes it harder for him to develop a consistent rhythm, which is critical for any striker.

This comparison to Daizen Maeda is an interesting one, as it highlights the different circumstances that each player has faced at Celtic this season. While Idah may have played more games than Maeda, the total number of minutes on the pitch tells a different story. Maeda has often been one of Celtic’s first-choice attackers, and his consistent game time has allowed him to find a rhythm and make more of an impact. In contrast, Idah has had to make do with fewer minutes, and as a result, his ability to develop that crucial flow has been stunted. This situation underscores a key point: strikers need consistent game time to truly hit their stride. When they’re not given that opportunity, it can be difficult to maintain form or consistency, and it may take longer for them to showcase their full potential.

Despite the criticism, it’s important to note that Idah’s performances this season have not been without merit. His goal-scoring record, which stands at 17 goals, is a solid return for a player in his first full season at a club like Celtic. Moreover, his contributions have not been limited to just goals. Idah has shown a willingness to work hard off the ball, to make intelligent runs, and to contribute to the overall team dynamic. His ability to be in the right place at the right time has resulted in several important goals, and his presence in the box has made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. While he may not yet be the game-changing player that some fans had hoped for, his work rate and consistency have still made him a valuable asset to the squad.

Looking at the bigger picture, Idah’s development at Celtic is still a work in progress. The £9 million price tag will undoubtedly continue to add pressure, but it’s crucial to remember that the player himself is not responsible for that fee. The fact is that Celtic signed him for his potential, and it will take time for him to fully realize that potential. While the criticism may be harsh at times, it is also a reflection of the high expectations that come with being at a club like Celtic, which is accustomed to winning and dominating in Scottish football. For Idah, the challenge will be to rise to those expectations, to consistently deliver in big moments, and to continue growing as a player.

As the season progresses, it’s likely that Idah will continue to face scrutiny, particularly if he is unable to deliver the kind of game-changing performances that fans are craving. However, it’s also possible that, given more regular game time, he will develop into the striker that Celtic hoped he would become when they made him their big-money signing. His goal tally of 17 this season, combined with his positive attributes, suggests that he has the tools to become a top striker for Celtic. Ultimately, the coming season will be pivotal for Idah, as it will provide a clearer picture of his true value to the team. If he can improve his consistency, deliver in high-stakes games, and continue to grow in his role, he could become a key figure in Celtic’s future successes. For now, though, the verdict remains divided, and Idah’s journey at Celtic is far from over.