Junior Adamu has spoken about why he chose Celtic, pointing to conversations with Martin O’Neill and guidance from his national team manager as key reasons.
The move came at a time when playing mattered most. At Freiburg, Adamu had drifted in and out of the team, often starting on the bench. With a World Cup coming up this summer, waiting around was not an option. Celtic offered a clear route to minutes, competition, and regular games that matter.
The role itself also made sense. Celtic need forwards who press, make runs, and stay involved even when chances are few. That suits Adamu’s game. He is not here to sit back. He has arrived to challenge for starts and make the manager think.
There was interest from elsewhere. Other clubs were in the picture, but Celtic, the manager, and the platform on offer swung it. For Adamu, this move is about keeping his career moving as much as chasing trophies.
He said: (TCW), “I spoke with the manager from the national team (Ralf Rangnick) before joining Celtic.
“He wanted to see me play. There were other clubs. He (Ragnick) said the other clubs were good, but that I should decide and have a good feeling. I had to speak with the Celtic manager, and then I decided to go to Celtic.
“It’s my dream to get to the World Cup. It means a lot. I will work, I will do everything for that. That’s my dream.
“I decided to come here to give my best and work hard to improve myself, and also be at the World Cup. In my eyes, yes (I’m almost there). I’m a guy who never stops. I will give more than 100 per cent to be there, so we will see. It would be amazing.”
For Celtic, the way Adamu thinks about the game matters. He is a player focused on goals and progress, not comfort. The next few weeks will show how fast he adjusts to the pace and physical side of Scottish football.
His arrival tightens the competition for places. That often increases standards across the squad. With league matches, cup games, and Europe all still to play for, Celtic need forwards who can cope with pressure and keep working even when chances are limited.
Adamu knows exactly what is on the line for him. A place at the World Cup is in his mind, and that gives him an edge. Celtic will be hoping that drive feeds into their attack and helps raise the level over the second half of the season.
