Adam Idah has been tipped for a return to the Premier League just two days after his move to Celtic was confirmed.
The Ireland international, who spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead, made the move permanent this week after the Hoops secured an £8.5million deal, with £1m in potential add-ons, for his services.
After bagging eight league goals in 15 games for Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, hopes are high among Hoops fans that Idah can forge a long, successful career at the club. But Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup reckons it won’t be long before the 23-year-old is back in English football.
“He’s been in the Premier League before, of course, and also scored goals,” said the Dane.
” But I see him as a potential Premier League striker with his attributes, his physique, his power, definitely.”
Thorup, who has only been in the Norwich hotseat for a matter of months, was initially keen on keeping Idah Carrow Road. However, he has since admitted his move to Celtic was best for all parties.
“[It was] a good deal for everyone,” he said. “I know they are happy in Celtic. I know he’s happy. And I think also that people around here are happy.
“I said in the beginning of this pre-season that I really wanted him to stay, because I think he is a good striker, and I know they like him in Celtic as well. I wish him all the best, and I hope that he can perform well in Celtic.
“And I hope that he can from there take the next step in his career, because I definitely think he has the skills to do it. I would have wanted him to stay, but I think it fell out in a good way.”
Norwich inserted a 15 per cent sell-on clause into the deal, which sees Idah commit his future to Celtic until 2029. Rodgers, who will hope to hand Idah his second debut in Sunday’s League Cup clash against Hibernian, waxed lyrical about the forward after the deal was announced.
“The club has done brilliantly to secure this long-term deal,” the Northern Irishman beamed. “We are investing in a player of real quality who will be crucial for us over the next few years. He is a player who already has given us so much, performing fantastically for us on loan and really delivering for the club and our fans last season.
“He played a pivotal role in our success last year and I know he can be hugely important for us again,” he added. “Adam has fantastic attributes and he is a dynamic, hungry, committed player who can make a real difference.”
After signing, Idah admitted the lure of returning to Celtic was simply irresistible. “I think everyone knew where I wanted to be,” he said. “It’s amazing for me and I’m delighted to be back.”
“Within the first couple of days of being here when I came on loan first time, I wanted to play for Celtic. It was amazing to get all of those goals and to be in with the boys and to see these amazing fans week in, week out was unbelievable. I’ve never experienced anything like it and I’m just so happy to be back.”
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