OPINION
Celtic must try and seal a swoop to sign Sporting Kansas City star Johnny Russell in the January transfer window after the Glasgow-born attacker admitted that he is feeling “homesick” in the USA.
Russell, 28, has been in dazzling form for Kansas City since heading to MLS in January, scoring 12 goals and supplying 11 assists in 37 appearances.
The Scotland international helped fire the Wizards to the MLS Cup play-offs after finish top of the Western Conference table, however his side fell at the penultimate hurdle when they lost to Portland Timbers 3-2 on aggregate.
Since the season in the USA has ended, Russell has admitted that he is missing his home, and that could potentially open up a chance for Celtic to sign the boyhood Hoops supporter.
“I’m a bit homesick at times, but it’s been a great experience, something I’ve had to adapt to and I feel I’ve done that well,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record in their live transfer blog on Wednesday [11:54am].
“Not having family over as frequent as normal, especially having a little girl as well, has been tough.”
With Russell opening up about his personal struggles in the States, it would be a very good idea for Celtic to give him the opportunity to head back to the city of his birth in January because Brendan Rodgers seriously needs to add some quality to his attack.
Russell can play anywhere in the attack but he is mainly used as a left or right-sided winger.
Scott Sinclair’s form on the left and the lack of top cover for the Englishman means that Rodgers should have a go at signing Russell to replace Sinclair in that area of his starting line-up.
It shouldn’t cost the Hoops too much to pry the former Derby star away from Missouri either.
According to the Denver Post, Russell earns just £11,000-a-week on his deal at Sporting Kansas City, which should be a figure that Celtic can match or even improve on.
The sale of Moussa Dembele in the summer will also mean that Rodgers has funds to spend on players, so this is a deal that should definitely be looked at by the reigning Scottish champions.