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"I always wanted to play for Celtic" - Adam Idah reacts after sealing £9.5m return

Celtic
© Imago
Scottish Premiership champions Celtic announce the signing of striker Adam Idah from Norwich City on a five-year deal for a reported £9.5m.

Celtic have announced the signing of striker Adam Idah from Norwich City on a permanent deal.

The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract with the Glaswegian giants until 2029 and returns to Parkhead in a deal worth up to £9.5m following a successful loan spell in the second half of last season.

Idah joined Celtic on a temporary basis in February and scored nine goals in seven starts and 12 substitute outings, including the winner against Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Scottish Cup final, as the Hoops completed the domestic double by retaining the Scottish Premiership title.

The Republic of Ireland international leaves Norwich after netting 17 times in 116 first-team appearances over a five-year period, making his final appearance for the Canaries as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 Championship defeat to Oxford United last weekend.

Idah becomes Celtic's fourth signing of the summer transfer window after Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo, and the striker has expressed his delight after finalising his return to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Idah reacts to finalising "amazing" transfer to Celtic

"I think everyone knew where I wanted to be. It's amazing for me and I'm delighted to be back," Idah told Celtic TV. "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."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers added: "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.

Celtic's Adam Idah celebrates with the trophy after winning the Scottish Cup on May 25, 2024© Reuters

Rodgers: 'Idah can be hugely important for us again'

"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."

Idah could be in contention to make his second debut for Celtic when they welcome Hibernian to Parkhead for a Scottish League Cup second-round clash on Sunday.

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Written by
Oliver Thomas

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates after the match on May 25, 2024
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