With Edouard’s transfer away from Celtic all but a formality in the summer, I have taken a look at someone that could fill that massive gap – Ercan Kara.
The striker is a 25yo right-footed, 6ft3, target man, playing for Rapid Wien who are currently 2nd in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Usually playing as a lone striker Kara has 13 goals and 4 assists to his name this season. He knows how to find the goal, link-up play and find his teammates. He provides a capable aerial threat providing 0.25 headed goals P90 this season.
He’s good at using his size and strength to shield the ball and draw defenders towards him. I also noted that he tends to shoot from free-kicks (not much success) and appears capable of shooting with both feet. Playing in a 4-2-3-1 Kara is used to providing a focal point.
In terms of offensive capability, he is providing a similar threat to the opposition area/goal as Celtic forwards. This can be seen in his return this season. I will note his npxG is 0.51 (still good) due to scoring a few penalties.
Kara would be a stylistic change for Celtic. With a target man, it would allow Celtic to play more balls into the box as there would be a threat. Long balls and hold up play could become a tactic. I like the idea of him being a defensive front post block at Celtic
Has he progressed?
Last season Kara managed 0.58xG & 0.15xA, whereas this season it has risen to 0.81xG (underperforming actual goals here) & 0.13xA – So a clear improvement. He is also 25yo coming into his peak years, an experienced player with Europa League experience.
Work Permit
Kara would just make the requirements for a work permit, making him a rare player that meets the criteria and that Celtic could feasibly afford. (He took a few hours to find, work permits will be a huge issue for Celtic going forward). Transfermrkt also has his contract expiring in 2022.
Final Thought
He would be a stylistic change for Celtic providing something we haven’t had in a while with the aerial presence. He needs to improve his passing but I think he’d link up well with Celtic’s attacking midfielders.
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Think you should be chief scout now