Why Celtic must quickly snap up free agent Victor Anichebe
Former Everton striker Victor Anichebe has reported his own club, China League One side Beijing Enterprises. He has made the accusation after he was asked “not to try” by coaches on two separate occasions, reports the Sky Sports.
Anichebe, 30, joined the China Super League side last summer after being released by Sunderland but he left last October because of disputes with the Beijing club. Hence, should Celtic make a move for the free agent?
Scottish champions Celtic have made an indifferent start to the new season. Brendan Rodgers’ side have lacked consistency so far this campaign which has, in turn, hampered them brutally. They now find themselves in the Europa League after getting eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers at the hands of AEK Athens.
After winning the double treble last season, Rodgers, however, failed to boost his forces significantly during the summer transfer window. What came as a big blow to Celtic was Moussa Dembele’s deadline day departure to Lyon, which left Rodgers with no chance to get in a replacement.
Dembele’s exit in the summer has massively weakened Celtic’s attack as Rodgers is left with only two centre-forwards – Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard. With the Hoops’ attack lacking the cutting edge, it is the right time for Rodgers to look at free agents who can strengthen the team’s forward department.
Victor Anichebe could be an interesting option for Rodgers. The Nigerian spent nine years at boyhood club Everton but a knee injury sustained back in 2009 left a player with big potential struggling in the last decade. He spent three years at West Brom and a season with Sunderland which ended up in relegation from the Premier League.
Anichebe has a good amount of experience of playing in the Premier League and would boost Celtic’s attack. He can be the traditional target man, and can also make runs in behind the defenders and cause them endless problems.
The 30-year-old is a powerful centre-forward who feasts on crosses and would give Celtic a different dimension to their attack due to his physicality.
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Anichebe has had struggles with injuries in his career but given his age, he could still be a smart signing. The 30-year-old would be a tricky customer to handle for the opposition defenders and his link-up play is worth mentioning too.
Hence, Rodgers must snap up Anichebe as quickly as possible as the Nigerian can be a real goal threat at Parkhead.