Scottish champions Celtic have confirmed their third signing of the winter transfer window with Ivory Coast striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo joining them from Dunajska Streda on a permanent deal, subject to a work permit and medical clearance. The marksman has penned a four-year contract with the Hoops after the club agreed on a package of around £2m with the Slovakian outfit.
The Ivorian, who has two caps with the national team, has enjoyed a purple patch during the current campaign after having contributed 18 goals and seven assists from just 23 games for Streda. He becomes the Hoops’ third recruit of the winter transfer window after the arrivals of Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and West Bromwich Albion respectively.
Celtic had found themselves restricted with their striking options during the first half of the campaign after the surprise departure of Moussa Dembele alongside the personal and fitness concerns hampering Leigh Griffiths.
However, with the trio of signings this month, manager Brendan Rodgers has the added firepower to enhance the club’s performance and it will be interesting to see how the former Liverpool boss manages to rotate his options during the backend of the campaign.
Celtic have not enjoyed the most fluent of seasons under Rodgers this time around but they are nonetheless topping the league standings at the halfway stage with a better goal difference and a game in hand over Old Firm rivals Rangers, who are behind them.
Meanwhile, their European campaign has been much impressive with the progress to the round of 32 phase of the Europa League, but they required some help from Rosenborg during the final matchday of the group to reach the first knockout round where they face Valencia across two legs.
