Celtic: The case for Vakoun Bayo


If and when Odsonne Edouard decides to finally depart Celtic, it will be a sad day. However, it will be yet more reality for the Hoops that Parkhead is not a club for the biggest of big names.

Time and time again we’ve seen their best players venture elsewhere in Europe in search of becoming major stars. For some, it proves game-changing. Virgil Van Dijk has since become one of the most imperious defenders in world football, for instance.

If Edouard leaves, few would bet against him becoming one of the most prolific strikers in Europe’s top five leagues. Capable of bulldozing his way past players, the Frenchman also possesses an element of technical grace.

He is a complete forward, a rarity in the modern game. Therefore, when he does depart, it will leave the Hoops in the lurch.

Behind him, they don’t have a wealth of firepower. Albian Ajeti has scored once since September while Leigh Griffiths has just five SPFL strikes to his name in 2020/21.

As for Patryk Klimala, his time at Celtic has never taken off. After his move in January 2020, he played just 15 minutes of league football last season. He’s hardly been a pillar of consistency this term either.

Should Bayo get a second chance?

Definitely

No thanks

No thanks

The Polish striker has scored three times in all competitions and his latest performance against Aberdeen was devoid of any quality. He missed a sitter in the first half and had 13 fewer touches than goalkeeper Scott Bain. On top of that, he made just five accurate passes all match.

For Klimala, you have to wonder whether he’ll ever be any good to play for Celtic. Fortunately, they have a player waiting in the wings ready to make an impact next season.


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That happens to be Vakoun Bayo. Like Klimala, he hardly typifies consistency; he has scored just two times in 17 outings for the Bhoys.

However, he’s starting to prove himself on loan in the French second tier for Toulouse. The Ivorian has seven goals this term, three of which have come in his last eight outings.

Bayo netted against Amiens last weekend in a goal that typified his qualities. He controlled the ball delightfully, raced clear of the defence and then poked the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. With qualities like that, he is certainly more athletic than any of Griffiths, Ajer or Klimala.

Speaking about the forward a few years ago, Chris Sutton only had praise for the 24-year-old: “He has some really good raw attributes. I think he’s powerful, and he is good in the air,” he said.

So, could he be the most natural heir to Edouard’s Celtic throne? Of course, he needs to be more prolific in front of goal but in terms of the raw attributes he possesses, he surely stands the best chance of succeeding him out of their current options.

The new manager would certainly do worse than handing Bayo a second chance next season.

AND in other news, Celtic should hire manager with 65% win rate, Bonner says he’s in the “Rodgers-mould”…





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