Adam Idah may not be on the pitch for Ireland this week, but he’s still proving his worth for Celtic. Evaluating his contributions based solely on his £9 million transfer fee would overlook the broader role he’s playing within Brendan Rodgers’ strategy. Rodgers has emphasized the need for versatility—not just in player selection but also in tactical approach. Idah, who joined Celtic after a prolonged negotiation with Norwich, is essential to this tactical flexibility. Despite the high fee, Norwich held firm in negotiations once Rodgers identified him as a must-have addition. Yet, it’s overly simplistic to assess Idah’s performances only by his price tag, especially when you consider that transfers don’t always reflect a player’s full worth. If Idah isn’t perceived as performing at the £9 million mark, it would be equally unjust to overlook players like Nicolas Kuhn, whom Rapid Vienna sold for £3 million, only to see his value soar with standout performances in the Champions League.
Idah’s arrival fits into Celtic’s broader strategy of developing talent, evident in other transfers like Matt O’Riley, who was acquired from MK Dons for £1.5 million and later sold to Brighton for nearly 20 times that amount. These successful player sales have underscored the value Celtic places on nurturing talent, and Idah’s acquisition reflects a similar mindset. Fans saw the impact Idah could have last season, when he emerged as a decisive force in the latter part of the campaign. His header against Motherwell, crucial goal at Ibrox, and game-changing contribution in the Scottish Cup Final showcased his ability to handle high-pressure situations and validated the investment Celtic made. Rodgers couldn’t rely on Kyogo Furuhashi alone, and Idah, with his unique style, added depth and variety to Celtic’s front line.
Idah wasn’t brought in to replicate Furuhashi’s skill set but to provide his own distinct attributes. With five goals this season, his scoring record is impressive given his limited starts. His performances, from his quick positioning against Falkirk to his clinical finishes in domestic and Champions League matches, highlight his effectiveness in front of goal. Even when he didn’t directly score, like at Rugby Park, his clever positioning forced defensive errors that resulted in crucial goals. Idah’s physical resilience—demonstrated in his determined play against Kilmarnock defenders—adds another dimension to his game and proves valuable for Celtic.
Despite starting just five matches this season, Idah’s goal tally rivals that of his more frequently-started teammate, Kyogo. His presence has also offered Rodgers alternative strategies, as seen in the Champions League game against Atalanta, where Idah’s physicality contributed to Celtic’s game plan and helped secure a valuable point and increased UEFA prize money. While transfer fees can sometimes weigh heavily on a player, Idah’s contributions to Celtic’s tactics and success prove that his value extends beyond his price tag. As long as he continues to perform, helps keep Furuhashi fresh, and supports Celtic’s pursuit of trophies, Idah’s transfer will be well worth it.
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