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Fullname: Adam Uche Idah
aka: Adam Idah
Born: 11 February 2001
Birthplace: Cork, Ireland
Signed: 1 February 2024 (loan from Norwich to 31 May 2024); 12 August 2024 (permanent from Norwich, £8.5m + addons)
Left: 31 May 2024 (end of loan); [….]
Position: Centre-Forward
Debut: Aberdeen 1-1 Celtic, SP, 3 Feb 2024 (provided an assist after only a few mins)
Squad No.: 9
Internationals: Ireland
International Caps: [TBC at end of career]
International Goals: [TBC at end of career]
Biog
Loan period (Jan 2024-May 2024)
When Adam Idah arrived at the end of January 2024 transfer window, he was on a hiding to nothing. Despite Celtic being top of the league there was a lot of genuine concern over the squad & recent performances (and soon were to lose the top spot). He was perceived as a poor cost cutting example for many critics who were up in arms over the recent poor form of the first team, and his transfer was poorly received. He’d underwhelmed badly at his parent club, and as Celtic did not have a buy option at the end of his loan deal, it all seemed like a poor deal. His Norwich manager even disparagingly said it made “no sense” to keep Adam Idah at Norwich.
In any case, he was now at Celtic on loan, and he deserved some slack, but social and mainstream media could be brutally honest. He was to prove everyone wrong!
He rolled up his sleeves and got off to a decent start when he provided an assist that led to the equaliser in an otherwise drab debut match (1-1 v Aberdeen in Feb 2024) having only just come onto the park. In his starting debut he had a mixed game but stepped up to score two penalties, with the winner in injury time in a 2-1 win v Hibs (Feb 2024)
He next came off the bench to the save the side by scoring twice, with the winner at the death very late in injury time v Motherwell (Feb 2025) and had become an unlikely hero. His form was excellent, and gave Kyogo a filip to return to form.
His first appearance v Sevco (Apr 2024) was a bittersweet time, coming on as a late substitute, and scoring an excellent goal that put Celtic 3-2 up in an important league fixture, only for Celtic to concede a late goal in injury time for a 3-3 draw. You could still see the joy in his face from scoring, but it was not just that goal, as he held the ball up well and gave the opposition problems.
If there were any doubters, then his man of the match performance in the league title winning 5-0 match away at Kilmarnock (May 2024) where he scored and dogged the opposition defence, really did show his value to the side. Most often he still had to play second fiddle to Kyogo, but in fairness Kyogo came back to form aided by the return of Hatate, and that was always going to be a challenge.
As Celtic went on to win the league in what was a really tough challenge in the season, coming from behind in the league race. It was clear that Idah’s goals and on-field contribution had made a difference. If anything, his style was quite in contrast to Kyogo’s, and that helped shake things up when he came onto the pitch to help change things up when needed.
He sealed his loan deal in the most incredible of ways, with Celtic facing TheRangers in the Scottish Cup final (May 2024). In what was admittedly a mostly slow burn of a match, he was subbed on late, but at the death of the normal time in the match, he latched onto a slip up by the opposition goalkeeper to score the winning goal! Bernardo created the opportunity but Idah was positioned perfectly to pounce for the opportunity when needed which is quite a skill too. He was the hero for many and stole the headlines. The goal was on non-stop repeat on social media for months thereafter.
It had made up for everything in his career so far, as he was to put himself straight after the match:
“I’ve said it before, this has really changed my career around. I wasn’t in the best of places when I was down south and I’ve come up here and the players, the staff, the fans, they’ve all welcomed me in and they’ve given me that confidence and belief to enjoy playing football again.”
His reputed alternative from January, Sydney van Hooijdonk, was not impressing (or even scoring) at his loanee club, so it was proven that Celtic had opted for the right choice with Idah. Rodgers was vindicated in bringing Idah in, and Rogers was hardly lacking in subtlety in his comments at the end of the season on his wish to retain Idah on a permanent basis. Problem is that there was no purchase agreement in the contract, complicated by that his manager at Norwich had just got the sack, so the new manager wanted to provide Idah with a fresh start, but his heart was set on a return to Celtic.
Permanent (2025 onwards)
Season 2024/25
After some much protracted transfer talks, culminating into a cat & mouse game between the clubs, Celtic acquiesced and paid a hefty premium (having not had a set purchase amount in the loan agreement) for Adam Idah.
Kyogo remained the main striker, leading to Idah acting as backup, albeit with rotation he was still a regular player. The key benefit was the contrast to Kyogo in styles which helped to disorient opposition defenders when the substitutions were made. Idah’s tall & athletic build and power contrasted sharply to Kyogo’s more pacy and tricky style, which allowed for variety especially in games where things were tight and needed changes.
His trademark celebration became a slide on his knees towards the Celtic crowd capped with a salute after his goals.
His form though dipped in scoring albeit he was still quite involved with assists, clear that confidence was hit but when he came on he was still contributing. This was best demonstrated in the key Champions League qualifier v BSC Young Boys (1-0 win Jan 2025), in which Celtic desperately struggled to win, only for Idah to get on the end of a long field pass to attack the goal which a shot that was saved but ricocheted off a BSC Young Boys defender to win the match for Celtic! Celtic qualified for the playoffs on the back of this win and so it can be said he had paid back his transfer fee. He was always battling for the first team and certainly had once again dug Celtic out of another hole.
Possibly his most notably performance for him personally was scoring a double v Aston Villa in a 4-2 defeat in the Champions League final group stage match,
In total he scored 20 goals, which included an equalising goal v Sevco in the admittedly dead rubber meeting in the final quarter of the season. Idah definitely had a far better second half of the season, and you could see that he scored a number of goals during this half. He was hitting a long blank spell in the first half of the season which was raising concerns but partly as this was due to his lack of gametime.
When Kyogo left Celtic in January 2025, it should have been the opportunity for Idah to step up but it was Maeda who became the main centre point of the attack, and he more than delivered becoming the best player that season. In one sense it took the pressure off of Idah, however, it also started to raise questions on Idah from the more sceptical. There were in fairness arguments from both sides. The more sympathetic raised that point that he was still young, and had actually still scored a very commendable number of goals during the season even though he had not started the bulk of games and that the service to the strikers was often poor (Kyogo in particular suffered this season from that). Critics felt he was not matching his colleagues with the burden placed too unfairly on Maeda, whilst often his goals were most often against weaker sides or were in dead-end games. Again some were raising the point about his transfer fee, and that was an unfair burden on him with any criticism on that really should have been redirected towards the management.
The coaching staff were sticking by him, but expectations were likely too high for him. Celtic won the league & league cup this season, and he deserves respect for his part in this achievement, but it depends on who you speak to about the size of his contribution to this and moving forward.
Season 2025/26
[….]
–
Quotes
“It’s disappointing not to get a winner, but we got a point at the end of the day. We’re happy with the point. We dug deep and we still have to play them at home. I thought the boys did well from start to finish. It was crazy my first time being here and what we did without fans was fantastic. I’m looking forward to playing them at home. When this next game comes, I’m sure we’ll be ready for it.”
Celtic goalscorer Adam Idah, who was playing in his first match v Sevco (Apr 2024)
“I’m the type of guy that will take each game as it comes. I want to win games, I want to be that demanding and what happens at the end of the season, we’ll see.”
Adam Idah (Feb 2024)
“It’s such a huge club with such a big history behind it and I can’t even put into words what it’s like to be at Celtic.”
Adam Idah (Feb 2024)
“My family and my friends are all delighted that I’m here and I just can’t wait to get started. All of us back home support Celtic so it’s huge for me and I’m so excited to be here.”
Adam Idah (Feb 2024)
“I’m a fan of Adam Idah but, like many Norwich City supporters, have been frustrated by his inability to take his opportunities at the club.”
Chris Sutton (Feb 2024)
“Adam Idah is a beautiful human being. Great mentality. I always knew about his qualities, particularly his penalty taking qualities. Strong penalty taking mentality befitting of someone with human traits of the highest mental quality”
Brendan Rodgers after Idah debut goal & two goals (2-1 win v Hibs, Feb 2024)
“The Celtic fans motivate me. I’m really enjoying it playing up here and it’s probably the most confident I’ve ever been.”
Adam Idah (Apr 2024)
“Everyone is feeling confident around the games and in training and we are all looking forward to it. We are excited for it – these are the moments you play football for.”
Adam Idah (Apr 2024)
“It has been amazing. I probably didn’t expect it to be as good as what it was. I’ve said it before, this has really changed my career around. I wasn’t in the best of places when I was down south and I’ve come up here and the players, the staff, the fans, they’ve all welcomed me in and they’ve given me that confidence and belief to enjoy playing football again.”
Adam Idah after on his loan stint at Celtic (May 2024)
“I think everyone knew where I wanted to be. It’s amazing for me and I’m delighted to be back!”
Adam Idah (Aug 2024)
Idah says he wanted to come off 10 minutes into his first meeting with Rangers as he “couldn’t breathe”.
Adam Idah (Dec 2024)
“It’s exciting for me. It’s what I wanted. It’s why I came to Celtic in the first place. I’ve come back again in the summer, and I’ve got a big responsibility to take and I’m ready to take that. When you’re playing football, you want to play as many minutes as you can. I’m ready to take that role now.”
Adam Idah (Feb 2025)
“He’s still quite young,” said Long. “I’ve played with him and know his ability. He’s strong, he’s a link-up player and he’s a good finisher so it will happen for him. He just needs to keep believing. I think when he does start games, he doesn’t light it up as much as he probably should to really cause the manager a few issues, headaches about picking the starting team. It’s when he comes in off the bench that he’s really effective so it’s a nice weapon for the manager to have. I had it for a while in my career as a super sub. You’re kind of in a catch-22 where you want to come on off the bench and do well, but you don’t want to do that thing of always coming off the bench to do well. Idah has done okay at Celtic, he’s got 23 goals in 65 appearances. I think the biggest problem for him is Daizen Maeda. He’s flying at the moment and it’s strong competition.”
Ex-Ireland player Shane Long (2025)
[…]
Playing Career
[Table to indicate clubs played for, including dates, transfers and fees where known [e.g. soccerbase table]]
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 2023-24 | 15 | 4 | – | – | 19 |
| Goals | 8 | 1 | – | – | 9 |
| 2024-25 | 35 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 53 |
| Goals | 13 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 20 |
| 2025-26 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| 2026-27 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| Total | |||||
| Goals |
Honours with Celtic
(Honours are marked below in which the player has played in at least one of the matches in the campaign.)
Scottish League
Scottish Cup
- 2023-24, […]
Scottish League Cup
- 2024-25, […]
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Notes
Articles
Adam Idah: Celtic sign Norwich City forward on loan for rest of season
Last updated on1 February 20241 February 2024.
From the sectionCeltic
Adam Idah is under contract at Carrow Road until 2028
Republic of Ireland forward Adam Idah has joined Celtic on loan from Norwich City for the rest of the season.
The 22-year-old, who has 22 caps, has made 34 appearances for the Championship club this season, scoring seven goals.
But only 14 of those have been starts for David Wagner’s side.
“It’s such a huge club with such a big history behind it and I can’t even put into words what it’s like to be at Celtic,” said Idah.
Talking to the club website, he added: “My family and my friends are all delighted that I’m here and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Born in Cork, Idah joined Norwich from schoolboy football in his homeland in 2017. He has 20 career goals in 137 games, including three for his country.
Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic have already signed German winger Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna for an undisclosed fee in the winter transfer window and visit Aberdeen on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s Republic of Ireland winger Mikey Johnston has joined West Bromwich Albion on loan.
Johnston, 24, made nine appearances in the Premiership this season, scoring twice.
Scotland midfielder David Turnbull was sold to Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee as he entered the final months of his contract.
Adam Idah – The Celtic support must give the Bhoy a chance
https://thecelticstar.com/adam-idah-the-celtic-support-must-give-the-bhoy-a-chance/
By justanordinarybhoy 31 January, 2024 4 Comments
[Adam Idah – The Celtic support must give the Bhoy a chance]
Adam Idah of Norwich City celebrates scoring the teams second goal with David Wagner, Manager of Norwich City, during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Norwich City at Ashton Gate on December 03, 2023 (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Idah signing reeks of desperation, but we’ve got to give the boy a chance…
Ireland’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring the opening goal from a penalty during the UEFA Euro 2024 group B qualification football match between Republic of Ireland and Netherlands at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on September 10, 2023. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)
Celtic look to be closing in on the loan signing of Norwich City and Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah. With just two days of the transfer window left open, many Celtic Supporters reckon that it reeks of sheer desperation from the club. We’ve had a full month to add to our squad and the fact we’ve signed a guy whose career stats aren’t exactly inspiring tells its own story.
The support believes that recruitment team is guilty of incompetence, there can be no other word for it. However, and this is important to note, that is not the fault of Adam Idah. The youngster has unsurprisingly jumped at the chance to up sticks to Glasgow, in what he will view as a dream move, when it looked like he was going to Italy on loan at Serie A side Hellas Verona.
Sydney van Hooijdonk, who Celtic passed over, is undergoing a medical at Norwich today and assuming that’s fine then his loan move will be signed and that will in turn give the green light to Celtic to sign the 22 year-old Irish international striker, who has scored seven goals this season without getting many starts.
Adam Idah of Norwich City celebrates after scoring during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Norwich City at Ashton Gate on December 03, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
As you most probably already know, the news that broke last night of his imminent arrival hasn’t gone down well with the Celtic supporters, but that is rather unfair on the 22 year old as he seems to have been judged before he’s even had any minutes on the field wearing the Hoops. That is unfair, and puts unnecessary pressure on the player before he’s even put pen to paper on any deal.
If Adam does sign, and it’s looking increasingly likely, then we must give him our full backing. He deserves the chance to prove himself. Who knows he might hit the ground running and turn out to be a great signing. Or of course he could prove to be another underwhelming one. No one knows, but what is certain is that we have to give him a fair chance to become a decent Celtic striker.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Adam Idah delighted to work under Brendan Rodgers
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/february/02/adam-idah-delighted-to-work-under-brendan-rodgers/
By Joe Sullivan
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02 Feb 2024, 2:11 pm
Celtic new Bhoy, Adam Idah arrived at the club last night and today (Friday), he spoke to the media at Lennoxtown ahead of travelling north with his new team-mates for tomorrow’s league meeting with Aberdeen.
The Irish internationalist has arrived on loan from Norwich City until the end of the season and he is keen to make his mark at the club, on the training field and on the pitch in competitive action.
When asked how he felt about his first day at Lennoxtown, he said: “I’m delighted. The past couple of days have been stressful, but today is the first day when it’s been a bit quiet, so I’m so happy to be here.
“I found out there was interest on Monday morning and from then it kicked on. But I was here, there and everywhere, so I’m chilling now and travelling later on, and looking forward to it.
‘It was a no brainer, I’ve always said I wanted to play for Celtic.’
“It’s such a big club and the gaffer here, the history he’s got is amazing, and him developing all these young players, I think it will suit me to a T, so I’m very excited.”
The loan period is until the end of the season but the forward isn’t looking that far ahead as he starts his Celtic career.
Idah said: “I’m the type of guy that will take each game as it comes. I want to win games, I want to be that demanding and what happens at the end of the season, we’ll see.”
Celtic’s talisman up front, is, of course, Kyogo, and the new Bhoy could face a stiff contest in finding a place in the front line alongside the Japanese scorer.
He added: “It looks like there is going to be competition in the squad, but whether I’m starting on the bench or playing with him, it’s going to be great for me.
“I’m still 22 years of age and of course I want to play as many games as I can, but we all know you can’t play each and every game.
‘So it’s going to be really exciting for me to play with him and all the other players.’
There could be a chance of that this weekend as Idah is part of the travelling squad making their way to Aberdeenshire later today.
He said: “I’ve trained the last couple of days now and I’m just looking forward to getting out there. Whether I play or not, it’s really good for me to be with the squad.”
[….]
“It motivates me more to try and do better,” Adam Idah on incredible Celtic support
By Editor – 13th Apr 2024, 12:20pm
Adam Idah looked back on that ‘crazy’ goal he scored at Ibrox last weekend which looked to have won the Glasgow Derby for Celtic. The Ireland international looked like being the Celtic hero who delivered another Beautiful Sunday but frustrating we let it slip in the closing stages to share the points.
Play the final whistle
“Obviously the aim coming on was to try and get a goal, and of course win the game. But I think I’m experienced enough now to know you need to play the final whistle, so we couldn’t get too carried away with ourselves and unfortunately enough we didn’t get the three points. A point at the end of the day we’ll take it,” Idah said.
Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s second goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC at Celtic Park Stadium on February 28, 2024 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“Look it helps any player when they score a goal, especially with confidence and wanting to score more goals. I think personally for me, I’m really enjoying playing up here and it’s probably the most confident I’ve ever been.”
Impressed by the quality
Adam Idah has been impressed by the quality all around him at Celtic and there seems little doubt that he’d like to extend his stay in Glasgow beyond the summer when his loan spell from Norwich City ends.
“I think people can probably tell that when I’m on the pitch and around the place that it’s probably the best I’ve played and you can tell by the goals, so, in terms of performances wise, it really does help me,” Idah said.
It was an amazing feeling
On Sunday’s goal being the most important of his career Idah said: “Possibly, who knows? Obviously it was an amazing feeling. To get a goal in that derby is crazy when you’re a player that wants to play for Celtic. It’s probably the game that you want to score in, it’s massive. So, who know, at the end of the season we’ll see.”
Celtic Shorts speaking to Adam Idah
The Irish striker is clearly loving playing his football at Celtic. “I’ve got a lot more minutes playing. The manager has a lot of trust in me, the lads have got used to me and know my style of football.
Having the fans at your back is huge
“I think when people have that trust in you and you can get minutes, and once that first goal comes, you do become confident in yourself, and I think it helps so much. Even little things like the fans, having the fans at your back is huge, especially for me that helped me a lot, and it motivates me more to try and do better.
“I’ve said it previously, we’ve got a great squad here, so regardless of if I start or I’m on the bench, even if I don’t come on, I’ll try and help the team as much as I can.
Important goals
“Scoring some goals, and important goals has been really good. For me, especially at this period of the season, I don’t think it matters who plays or who does what, getting together as a team and contributing to goals is the main thing.”
Watch Adam Idah’s media conference below with Celtic Shorts involved and asking the Irishman about the send-off from Celtic Park last weekend and his thoughts on how this Celtic squad would get on playing in English football.
Celtic interest ‘probably a factor’ as key transfer target to be disciplined by club for going AWOL
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Published 30th Jul 2024, 20:39 BST
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-interest-probably-a-factor-as-key-transfer-target-to-be-disciplined-by-club-for-going-awol-4723276
Striker sat out pre-season friendly after missing flight to Austria
Celtic target Adam Idah is to be disciplined by Norwich City after missing a pre-season flight to Austria.
The Republic of Ireland international sat out the friendly match with Hoffenheim on Tuesday after failing to fly out with the rest of the squad ahead of the fixture, only joining up with the side later after making his own travel arrangements.
Idah, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic, watched the match from the sidelines with Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup confirming afterwards that the 23-year-old was left out due to going AWOL.
Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring the winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers in May. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring the winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers in May. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
“Adam had some internal issues where he reported late for the flight on Sunday,” the Dane explained. “We decided that he should come as quick as possible but of course could not be a part of this game. There are some things we can accept and some things we cannot accept, and this is a part where we cannot accept it.
“We have rules and everyone has to stick by them.”
Thorup added that speculation over a move to Celtic was “probably a factor” in his striker’s indiscretion.
Idah scored nine goals in 19 matches while on loan at the Hoops last term including a late winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers in his last match before returning to his parent club.
Celtic had a £4million bid rejected by Norwich earlier in the transfer window for Idah, who is under contract at Carrow Road until 2028.
Meanwhile, Callum McGregor dismissed any notion that Celtic have gained a pre-season boost from the perception that city rivals Rangers are ill-equipped for the start of the campaign.
The Gers will play their first few home games, until late September at least, at Hampden due to a delay in renovation work at Ibrox while Philippe Clement’s squad does not appear to have been adequately replenished following the departure of a string of experienced players.
However, Celtic captain McGregor is adamant he and his colleagues are paying no attention to any issues across the city as they prepare to begin their Premiership title defence at home to Kilmarnock on Sunday.
“Nah, it’s not something we’ve spoken about or looked at,” said McGregor, speaking at the official launch of the 2024-25 William Hill SPFL season in Glasgow on Tuesday. “We have our own set of problems and challenges that we have to face in order to get better as a club and as a squad of players.
“We’re too busy trying to demand the very best of each other, and what will be will be.”
“We’re trying to control all the things that we can control, and push and demand as much as we can from the players. I’m sure once the season starts, everything will sort itself out but the only thing we’re focused on is ourselves.”
Celtic confirm Adam Idah signing – contract length, record fee, player’s first words, Brendan Rodgers delight
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-confirm-adam-idah-signing-contract-length-record-fee-players-first-words-brendan-rodgers-delight-4742629
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
Published 14th Aug 2024, 19:53 BST
Updated 14th Aug 2024, 22:33 BST
Irish international returns on permanent transfer
Celtic have confirmed the signing of striker Adam Idah from Norwich City in a deal that could eventually break the club record transfer fee.
The 23-year-old has returned to Parkhead on a permanent transfer following a successful loan spell last season, where he scored nine goals in 19 appearances including the winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers.
The Republic of Ireland international has penned a five-year contract with Celtic reported to be paying an initial £8.5million up front, plus a potential £1millions in add-ons that would take the total fee beyond the record £9million paid to sign Odsonne Edouard from PSG in 2018.
Idah’s arrival brings an end to a lengthy transfer saga with negotiations dragging across several weeks as the clubs haggled over the asking price. The Scottish champions had an initial £4million bid turned down last month before the clubs resumed talks last week.
“I think everyone knew where I wanted to be,” a delighted Idah told Celtic TV. “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. I always wanted to play for Celtic and obviously last season was amazing. To come here now and be fully a part of the team and a part of this club is amazing to me.
“Everyone back home, all my family and friends, they all wanted me to come back to Celtic, myself included, so it’s massive and I’m just so happy to be here.”
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers made no secret of his desire bring Idah back to Glasgow and expressed gratitude that the deal finally got over the line.
“We are delighted to welcome Adam back to Celtic on a permanent basis and we are so pleased that he has agreed this new five-year contract with the club,” Rodgers said. “The club has done brilliantly to secure this long-term deal. 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. Adam has fantastic attributes and he is a dynamic, hungry, committed player who can make a real difference.
“Really importantly, Adam feels at home at Celtic, he has a love and passion for the club and I know he will be giving everything to once again bring our fans success.”
The Celtic journey to paradise: 8am serenades in LA, Dara O’Shea agent call and £700k to one lucky club
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Sports Editor
0
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Published 15th Aug 2024, 22:30 BST
Striker had to wait all summer – but via the States and Sky Sports, Irishman is delighted to be at Celtic Park
Adam Idah is the personification of a cat that has got the cream. Finally back at Celtic after a transfer saga that took weeks to resolve, the Irishman plans on repaying the love of the club’s support and the faith shown to him by manager Brendan Rodgers.
Idah will freely admit that his career was in a dark place before Celtic landed him on loan back in January from Norwich, where he was struggling to hold down a place in the starting XI. Five months later, he became the darling of the Parkhead fans, scoring the goal that downed Rangers to win the Scottish Cup final. Such was the transformation of his career in Scotland, it comes as no surprise to hear he was desperate to make the move permanent.
The Irishman is now contracted to Celtic for five years. He has security at a place that feels like home. “I think ever since I came up here the first time I knew how big this club was and that I wanted to play for it,” said Idah as he was unveiled to the press.
“Being in the changing room with the boys and around the staff, it was unbelievable. It was so good for me and I’m just delighted to be here now.”
Adam Idah will wear the No 9 shirt at Celtic this season.
Adam Idah will wear the No 9 shirt at Celtic this season. | SNS Group
Idah’s future has been the talk of the town ever since scoring that late goal back in May. He tried to switch off while on his holidays, knowing where he wanted to be but unsure how long it would take for Celtic and Norwich to thrash out his fee. His message to his agent was simple: let me know when the deal is done.
“I didn’t really know what was going on myself,” revealed Idah. “I kind of actually found out it was on Sky Sports that it got done. I was just in my house and my mum rang me, so yeah, I phoned my agent and said just do what you need to do. And an hour after he rang me and said it was agreed and I said ‘I know I’ve already seen it on TV!’”
Idah spent part of his summer vacation in the United States and even though he was more than 5,000 miles away from Glasgow in Los Angeles, he could not escape the passion of the Celtic support.
“I was in LA and there was a group of Celtic fans down on the boulevard,” he recalled. “Eight o’clock in the morning and there’s Celtic fans everywhere. That was a bit of a shock to me. It was a bit of a new thing to get used to that kind of side of things because you haven’t really been identified like that in a place like that.
Idah scored the winner for Celtic against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.
Idah scored the winner for Celtic against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final. | SNS Group
“It’s a strange one. Even going back home, obviously everyone knows me back home, so it’s pretty normal for me going home. But now that I’ve been at Celtic, it’s like I’m a new man when I go home, which is pretty strange. But yeah look, it’s been fantastic. I say it all the time, the fans here have been amazing to me. The reaction I got, the welcome, has been top class. It’s time for me to repay that now.”
Idah was on vacation with fellow Irishman and Burnley defender Dara O’Shea, who has been linked with a move to Celtic this summer. Eagle-eyed fans will have spotted the centre-half was quick to congratulate Idah on his move on Instagram. “I was actually on holidays with Dara in the summer,” smiled Idah. “He’s a fantastic player and he’s up there. He scored the other night, so he’s a great player.” Could he join you at Celtic, Idah was asked. “It’s down to his agent that,” was the quick response.
His move to Celtic has, however, had an impact on another entity close to Idah’s heart: College Corinthians. It has emerged that the County Cork team inserted a ten per cent sell-on clause when the player moved from the Irish side to Norwich City. Whoever brokered such an agreement deserved a few pints of Guinness. Corinthians have pocketed a sum in the region of £700,000 as a result.
“I didn’t even know that was a thing,” said Idah. “It’s huge. I can’t even remember what age I was when I went to Corinthians. But obviously they’ve been a massive influence in my career. It’s where I started playing football and where I started enjoying playing football. So, it’s obviously massive for them. That’s a huge chunk of money and I’m delighted for them. I can only thank them for what they’ve done for me.
Idah speaks to the press after completing his permanent move to Celtic.
Idah speaks to the press after completing his permanent move to Celtic. | SNS Group
“I think we won the league every year I was there. Didn’t lose many games, it was great. All the friends I grew up with when I was a kid and schoolmates. It was unbelievable. It’s where you start enjoying football. As a kid, playing with all your friends, there’s nothing better.”
Except, that is, playing for Celtic. Idah’s mother Fiona noted the improvement in her son’s mood when he made the move in January and a regular attendee at matches last season, she will make the journey over from Ireland frequently to support her boy.
“She was delighted,” added Idah. “She’s so proud of me and she’s buzzing. She’s dying to get over for the games now, so she’s loving life. She came to quite a few games and obviously she came over for the cup final, so that was a big one for her. She says it herself – she’s never seen me as happy playing football as when I came here the first time.”
From big moments to big worries – what’s the script with Celtic’s Idah?
Celtic forward Adam IdahImage source, SNS
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c20kxn601kyo
Image caption,
Adam Idah last scored for Celtic in November
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland
Published
22 January 2025
When Adam Idah won Celtic the Scottish Cup last season with his dramatic 90th-minute strike against Rangers, he etched his name into the club’s history books.
Fast forward eight months and a permanent contract later, the Republic of Ireland international has his name scribbled across social media by fans left deflated by his season so far.
After nine goals in 19 loan appearances last season, his five-year deal in the summer – even despite his reported eye-watering £9.5 million fee all-in – seemed a match made in heaven.
However, with just eight goals in 31 games, his honeymoon period in the green and white hoops has passed.
Without a goal since 30 November, fellow forward Kyogo Furuhashi front and centre of the transfer rumour mill and a recent run of four starts with sparse sniffs at goal all ending in subdued substitutions, is Idah’s hefty price tag weighing him down?
With the help of Opta, BBC Scotland takes a look at the Celtic striker’s numbers this term.
What are the basic numbers saying?
As Celtic’s number nine, there’s a non-negotiable expectation for goals. Even more so when the club have coughed up more than nine million notes for such services.
When Idah first joined the club, nearly a year ago on deadline day, he hit the ground running.
He backed up an assist on his debut in Aberdeen with two penalties against Hibs – including one in the 94th-minute – to announce himself to the supporters.
In an inspired half-time substitute 18 days later against Motherwell, he dragged the champions from defeat to victory with a pivotal double, before goals against Rangers at Ibrox and the aforementioned Hampden cup final.
A bunch of heroic moments.
But since his hero’s welcome upon his permanent arrival in August, there’s been more hitting the ground in frustration than picking up where he left off.
Of his eight goals, five have come in the Premiership from 887 minutes, spread across 20 games.
Compared to other strikers in the division, he’s joint 13th on goals scored. With 40 shots in total, he’s eighth on the list with his fellow forwards.
A deeper look at when those goals have come don’t help his case, either. While last season he proved to be the man for the big moments, his finishes against St Johnstone, Motherwell, Hearts and Ross County respectively all merely added gloss to the scoreline.
In fact, four came in the 78th-minute onwards, while his goal against County was the fourth in a fantastic first-half showing from Brendan Rodgers’ side.
In the Champions League, where his minutes have been limited, he’s managed just one goal against Slovan Bratislava on matchday one.
The big bucks were dished out, but Idah is yet to deliver on the big stage, though he may get the opportunity to change that against Young Boys on Wednesday and Aston Villa next week.
What about his all-round involvement?
With a team-mate like Kyogo, who has 12 goals in the same amount of games as Idah in all competitions – albeit with more minutes – it’s important to stress there’s more than just goals to Idah’s role.
However, with no assists to his name this season, in the league against Hibs, he’s not exactly setting them up either, and with 12 chances created, he’s joint 18th in the ranking with his fellow top-flight strikers.
No wonder, really, since he’s not seen a lot of the ball. In the last Premiership game against Dundee, he touched the ball 12 times in total during 61 minutes.
Against Ross County he had six touches in the box, two against Dundee United out of 20 in total and four out of 22 touches against St Mirren were in the area.
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His start at Dens was the fourth game running he led the line – and second where Kyogo was shunted out wide in support and to fill a spot during a winger shortage.
The Japan international had much joy at Dens Park and in Dingwall when dancing down the flank and delivered one of his finest performances of the season in the latter match.
Whereas in both games, Idah departed, after missing a decent chance or two, dejected and down low on confidence.
Is his place in doubt?
Celtic’s Johnny Kenny comes on as Adam Idah goes off during against Ross CountyImage source, SNS
Johnny Kenny replaced Adam Idah against Ross County earlier this month
Like most strikers do at some stage, the former Norwich City player is going through a barren spell. And like most strikers, he’s a confidence-based player. When the goals aren’t coming, the confidence isn’t flowing.
Prior to the last Premiership game, though, manager Brendan Rodgers backed him to come good and stressed he had no concern over his goal drought.
However, in the same press conference, he expressed his delight at Johnny Kenny’s return to the club after a successful loan stint at Shamrock Rovers.
The 21-year-old replaced his countryman against Ross County and missed a good chance of his own. That cameo, though, and his time in Ireland, has encouraged some supporters to suggest he deserves a start.
In recent weeks, here’s what a few of you have said…
Peter: We need a centre forward that can put the ball in the net. Time to give young Johnny Kenny a run of games. Idah will never get enough goals. His stats prove that.
Neil: Poor finishing is costing us. Idah is a big concern, is the jersey too big for him? We need a quality finisher, new striker please Brendan.
Andy: Idah is a waste of a jersey. Should have played the young lad Kenny he couldn’t have done any worse.
Patrick: Idah looks too desperate and can’t cope with the pressure of his price tag.
Paul: Idah’s form has also been alarmingly poor, compared to his heroics from last season.
Peter Going forward I would like to see Kenny picked ahead of Idah. I think he may prove more of a goal scorer in the long run.
I do a lot of unnoticed work for Celtic – but I get it despite pressure
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/i-do-a-lot-of-unnoticed-work-for-celtic-but-i-get-it-despite-pressure-5122476By Mark Atkinson
Sports Editor
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Published 10th May 2025, 22:30 BST
Irish striker happy with contribution as he moves closer to his targets
Celtic striker Adam Idah is happy with his contribution to the team despite some fan grumbles about his performances.
The 24-year-old Irish striker made his loan move from Norwich City a permanent arrangement in a reported £9 million deal last summer and took his goal tally to 19 for the season by netting in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Hibs in the Premiership.
However, the forward continues to provoke debate among the Celtic support, with some fans quick to criticise him for his chance conversion rate.
Idah is comfortable with how he is doing in his first full season at Celtic and hopes to break through the 20-goal mark for Brendan Rodgers’ men before the campaign is out, with a good chance of a domestic treble when they face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final on May 24.
“It’s been a really good season so far,” said Idah, “I’m on 19 goals now, which is really good. It’s been on my mind to get 20 for the season, so I’m on track for that. I’m in good form and it’s been good.
“I’ve said it before, for the minutes I’ve played to get 19 goals is unbelievable. A lot of people forget that I’m confident in myself. There’s a lot of things I feel that I do for the team that helps a lot. So I’m really pleased with how my season’s going.”
Idah never loses Celtic faith
Idah missed a couple of good chances for Celtic before netting on the stroke of half time against Hibs. Asked if he feared it wasn’t going to be his day, the hitman responded: “No, I didn’t. It can be frustrating, but at the end of the day if I’m not making runs, if I’m not getting the shots away, I’m not going to score. It’s just about that consistency.
“I might’ve been offside a couple of times. But if I don’t make the runs, then I don’t get that goal. I have to keep going. I’ve seen the last couple of games, people have said I should be scoring last week. But if I’m not there I can’t score. That’s my job, to keep doing the same things and eventually it will come off.”
Asked if a lot of what he does for Celtic go unnoticed, Idah continued: “Yes, 100 per cent. I work with the analyst and a lot of the staff, and there’s a lot of things I feel I can bring to the game. Some unselfish runs that I make that will create space for other players.
“A lot of that does go unnoticed, and I get it. Fans aren’t going to be looking at that, they want to see goals. But I’m here to help the team and at the end of the day it’s a big bonus when I do score.
“There’s going to be pressure. But I can deal with that. No matter where you’re at there’s always going to be pressure. Being at such a big club there’s such a big expectation. It can be tough at times. But I think this is my fifth or sixth season and I’ve been through a lot.
“For me, it’s just about staying consistent and scoring goals. Nineteen goals this season has gone a bit unnoticed. But for me it’s just about keep going and trying to finish the season on a high.”
Kyogo-Maeda Celtic comparisons
Idah’s returns and style of play are often unfairly compared to two of the clubs most prolific forwards in recent times in the shape of Japanese duo Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda.
“Obviously, Daizen and Kyogo are unbelievable at what they do,” said Idah. “But they are totally different players. And like I touched on before, a lot of my game goes unnoticed.
“The runs that I make can drag a defender out of position and make the space for others. It does go unnoticed. It can be frustrating at times, but at the end of the day it’s helping the team. I we are winning games and I’m helping that then happy days.”
Crucially, Idah has the support of his manager Rodgers, who is more than happy with what he gives to his team. Asked what the backing of his gaffer means to him, Idah added: “Unbeleivable. I’ve had it before when it’s been the opposite way and it can affect you. But training every week and having the backing of not just the manager, everyone else and the players have been fantastic for me.
“It’s so good for me. I’m not really focused on what anyone on the outside is saying. But I know I can go into the games and be myself.”
Has Celtic’s Idah won over his doubters?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c05n439vzmdo
Adam Idah’s goal earned Celtic a point in Sunday’s frenetic Old Firm derby
Published
4 May 2025
In some senses, Sunday’s Old Firm derby was a tale of two number nines.
In the blue corner, Cyriel Dessers, the much-denigrated Rangers hitman who spurns chances with maddening regularity but sticks plenty away too.
In the green, Adam Idah, who arrived with a reported £9.5m price tag and, so far, failed to convince sections of the Celtic support he is worth the cash.
Idah was feted during his loan spell from Norwich City across the second half of last season, plundering nine goals, the last and most memorable of them sinking Celtic’s city rivals to win the Scottish Cup at the death.
Since moving north on a permanent basis this summer, the 24-year-old’s performances have been roundly criticised, particularly since the mid-season departure of striking fulcrum Kyogo Furuhashi.
Fuel was added to the fire when footage emerged of Idah appearing to be sick in a taxi on a night off from training last month.
Idah is cast in a very different mould to Kyogo, or fellow Japanese rapier Daizen Maeda, who has netted an eye-watering 33 times this term.
He offers size, muscularity and gives Celtic a focal point should they switch up their possession-based blueprint for a more direct approach.
And his output is hardly meagre.
Between the end of November and late January, the Republic of Ireland international went 14 games without scoring but was started in only five of those matches.
He has still mustered 18 goals this term, three of them in the Champions League.
That equates to an impressive tally of just better than a goal every 120 minutes on the pitch.
Number nine saga unfolds at Ibrox
A minute of raging, end-to-end fare felt like the Old Firm striker saga in microcosm.
With half-time looming, Idah was sent clean through on goal. Having snatched at a couple of earlier chances, he shot meekly at goalkeeper Liam Kelly. Ibrox roared.
Rangers went up the other end, Vaclav Cerny’s clever dummy set up Dessers, who bustled past Liam Scales and rolled calmly into the Celtic net.
Idah, though, was undeterred. He combined well with Maeda down the left, linked the play with accuracy and was rewarded with the equalising goal.
His instinctive swivel on the edge of the Rangers box and powerful finish, with the aid of a John Souttar deflection, ultimately prevented the home team winning a third derby on the spin.
‘Adam doesn’t get criticism from us’
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner believes his old club must recruit another striker for next season and also questioned whether his countryman would be more effective in a front two.
“They have spent about £9m on Adam Idah,” he said on BBC Radio Scotland.
“They could go that high again, just to get that out-and-out striker who is going to bag goals.
“They have to get somebody in there. They can’t rely just on putting Maeda in there and Adam.
“Adam is young enough and scored today, but I don’t know whether he needs something alongside him to help him.”
Brendan Rodgers has spoken often about Idah’s attributes and the Celtic manager was once again effusive in his praise at full-time.
“Adam doesn’t get criticism from us, we know his qualities,” he said.
“This is his first full season here, he’s only going to get better. He’s a player for the big moments. He scores big goals, in big games. He will get better all the time.
“People are judging him on his price tag, but he doesn’t set that.
“He’s a real handful for us and has shown that at every level, he gets goals.”
Idah’s leveller delivered a satisfactory outcome for manager Brendan Rodgers as it prevented a third straight loss to Rangers and maintained the 17-point gap over their second-top city rivals.
“At half-time, I still felt we were at a good place in the game,” Rodgers explained.
“Second half, we controlled the game. When you come to Ibrox, you sometimes have 10-15 minutes where you’re under real pressure, backs to the wall, but I never really felt that.
“If I was to criticise, maybe our final-third play didn’t lend us to creating opportunities. But our build-up was composed. We got the goal, we deserved it.”