Celtic journalist Anthony Haggerty believes that Albian Ajeti will be a ‘bit-part’ player at the Hoops in 2021/22 despite the exit of Odsonne Edouard, as per an interview with This Is Futbol.
The Lowdown: Ajeti has endured a frustrating spell at Parkhead so far
Enduring an injury-plagued time at the Hoops so far since joining in 2020, the 24-year-old has made 36 appearances for the Hoops, scoring just six times [Transfermarkt].
Celtic lost their talisman Edouard to Crystal Palace for an initial £14m [BBC] on transfer deadline day but Haggerty does not believe that more opportunities will present themselves to the Switzerland international at Parkhead in the coming months.
The Latest: Haggerty believes Ajeti will be a ‘bit-part’ player this term
Speaking in an exclusive interview with This Is Futbol, Haggerty dropped his verdict on Ajeti’s situation at Celtic, claiming:
“I think he has got ability but has maybe kept it well hidden up until now.
“For £5million, which was Celtic’s outlay on him, I think they were looking for a lot more.
“The fans would say persevere with him this season but I think he’s going to be a bit-part player.”
The Verdict: Ajeti will hope to fight his way into the Parkhead picture
Costing the relatively expensive sum of £5m to bring to Glasgow from West Ham United, Celtic may need to stick with Ajeti for the time being as he looks to become a first-team regular under Ange Postecoglou.
In spite of being very much on the periphery at Parkhead, Haggerty excellently illustrates that there is a player in the 24-year-old who can provide quality to the Celtic attack.
He enjoyed his most productive spell in professional football at Basel, where he registered 64 goal contributions in 96 fixtures with 43 goals and 21 assists [Transfermarkt], showing an instinctive ability to finish clinically.
With fellow striker Leigh Griffiths leaving a void to fill after joining Dundee on a loan deal for the rest of 2021/22, Ajeti will be hoping that he can reproduce his earlier career form as the season progresses.
In other news, a Celtic legend has dropped his opinion on a new signing. Find out more here.
