Ange Postecoglou wasn’t backed early in his Celtic reign on the transfer front but you can’t accuse the club of not working hard.
They’ve been dealt a tough hand in pre-season, with James Forrest having to isolate and a number of injuries rocking the camp.
However, in the last week or so, they have completed some shrewd moves. Liel Abada put pen to paper and scored an all-important goal in the Champions League, while Carl Starfelt has arrived as their Kristoffer Ajer replacement.
Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide were early acquisitions, while we’re still awaiting images of Kyogo Furuhashi in Celtic colours after he completed a switch.
Next on their radar could be a record-breaking swoop. Not since Odsonne Edouard signed from PSG in 2018 for £9m have they usurped such a price tag but they may have to shell out more than that to land Aaron Boupendza.
After selling Ajer for £13.5m, the finances are certainly there, and their coffers could be boosted further by the exit of Edouard. If the Frenchman does take his leave. then Postecoglou would seal his best deal yet by moving for Boupendza.
He is reportedly the Hoops’ top priority but Turkish club Hatayspor want a fee of around €12m (£10.4m) for his services.
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The following quote describes in a nutshell why they must bring him to Glasgow:
“He's a very good footballer, a goal machine, the top scorer in the championship. And we won't be sorry if he stays with us. If he stays, he will be top scorer in the championship again, and we'll sell him twice as much,” said Hatayspor president Nihat Tazearslan.
Boupendza was on fire in the top flight of Turkish football last term, finding the net on 22 occasions and providing one assist.
Being compared to Kylian Mbappe, the forward has been given the nickname of a “panther”, something which illustrates his dangerous qualities and scintillating speed.
He fired a mighty 3.1 shots per game towards goal last term and completed an eye-catching 2.6 dribbles per match.
Not only did he replicate Edouard’s goal tally from 2020/21, he did so with fewer shots per match than the Frenchman. His dribble tally was also more than any other player in Celtic’s ranks.
Possessing a ruthless streak in the penalty area, he can also stroll past players with absolute ease.
It’s clear to see why Postecoglou must break the bank to acquire Boupendza's signature this summer. He is a fabulous player and, at the age of 24, still has plenty of room to grow.