Celtic are expected to sign West Ham striker Albian Ajeti on a permanent basis for £5m, according to reports in the Scottish media.
It was believed that the Swiss international would join on an initial season-long loan, with an option buy at the end of the season, but the deal has apparently been renegotiated so he can move to Parkhead.
Ajeti is coming off a difficult season for West Ham, where he failed to find the back of the net in 12 appearances, and supporters on Twitter are yet to be convinced whether the 23-year-old has what it takes to become a first-team regular:
Let’s hope he can rediscover his form from his last season with Basel
— Shane Power (@ShanePower13) August 12, 2020
Not overly enthused by signing ajeti, was okay with him coming on loan but not if we’re paying 5 million for you
— Anto connolly (@elitefightmgmt) August 12, 2020
He didnt shine for West Ham but he was really impressive for Basle.
We have a decent record of getting the best out players with something to prove. I give you Larsson and Sutton!— chris c (@Indybrigade) August 12, 2020
I hope the Ajeti deal goes through. He has a good track record with Basel and we need the option of playing two strikers in certain games. CB and LB are a must and another winger to give competition for Forrest.
— P A Patel (@P_A_Patel84) August 12, 2020
? If reports right & it’s buy not loan, where’s he going? What abt Klimala ? Is Eddy going? At times Lenny’s like golfer who gets a new club but because it’s not instant success, wants another. He’s got lousy record developing in-house talent & has his buys sitting on the bench.
— Mo (@50sEKBOY) August 12, 2020
He scored 37 times in 75 for basel and made about 20 assist.
— Kevin Hackett (@KevinHa26255509) August 12, 2020
To be fair to Ajeti, he barely got a start during his time at the Hammers, having never fully convinced either Manuel Pellegrini or David Moyes.
Even so, it will be a concern that he was deemed not good enough by two managers despite the Hammers having spent £8m to sign him from Basel. Hoops fans will be hoping that he arrives at the club determined to prove the doubters wrong.
