Ange Postecoglou may well have his work cut out this summer as his new Celtic side try to bridge the gap between themselves and their biggest rivals.
Though, with the fear of Odsonne Edouard leaving, the Hoops will need to find a new striker in order to do that.
On the chalkboard
Edouard has attracted the interest of English shores and if he does leave Parkhead behind, Celtic will likely struggle for goals.
Albian Ajeti netted just six strikes after arriving from West Ham last summer while Leigh Griffiths only managed seven himself.
The Bhoys have been touted with a number of strikers throughout the summer so far with a move for Charlie Wyke ramping up.
It’s believed talks are underway to sign the striker on a free transfer but could a better option lie in Japan?
Replacing Edouard
Celtic have naturally been linked to a number of Postecoglou’s former employees including Mat Ryan and Aaron Mooy.
However, he’s now being tipped to sign an individual from Yokohama F. Marinos, the team he left in order to come to Glasgow.
Reports suggest that Postecoglou wants to reunite himself with Ado Onaiwu, a man born to Japanese and Nigerian parents.
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He earned his Japan debut last week and then in just his second appearance for his country, bagged a hat-trick against Kyrgyzstan in a 5-1 win.
During that match, Onaiwu managed eight shots, two key passes and was fouled on three occasions, proving how dangerous he can be in the final third.
The striker appears to be a natural-born finisher, scoring ten goals in 16 matches under Postecoglou for the Marinos this term. In total, he’s found the back of the net 21 times in his career with the club.
Without the Australian, it’s unlikely he’d have that record. Speaking about the 55-year-old after he left for Celtic, Onaiwu hailed his influence: “I always knew if I kept playing well and scoring goals for Yokohama, I would get a chance with my national team. And I owe this to my manager Ange Postecoglou who has left the club this week.”
The 25-year-old added: “I have enjoyed an excellent relationship with him, and he has been a huge influence in my career. I don’t mind admitting that when he first came to the club, I was confused with his training because it was of such high intensity. But because of that, he improved my game immeasurably.”
Onaiwu’s numbers this term suggest he’s a solid all-around forward. Like Edouard, he’s capable of bringing others into play, registering 0.9 key passes per match.
He is physical enough to win 1.4 aerial duels per game, meaning he shouldn’t be overawed playing in the Premiership.
Though, the most vital stat of all is that he’s scored a goal every 95 minutes in the J-League this season. For that alone, Celtic have to be interested in his services.
He knows Postecoglou’s high intense style of football and the manager knows how to get the best from him.