Brendan Rodgers expressed his delight with Celtic’s signing of Adam Idah on a permanent basis, talking up the striker’s crucial role in the team’s successes last season.

Idah, who returned to Celtic after a striking loan spell where he scored nine goals in 19 appearances, has now been secured with a record-breaking £9.5 million transfer.

During his loan, Idah’s decisive goals were instrumental in clinching a league and cup double for Celtic, including a memorable winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. Rodgers highlighted Idah as a “catalyst” for the team’s achievements last season and is thrilled to have him back on a five-year contract.

Rodgers noted to Celtic TV, “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.

“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.”

Brendan Rodgers wanted the signing, he made no secret of that, and the club have backed him and has brought in one of the manager’s top targets.

With the squad essentially the same as last season’s, the focus will now shift to adding some new faces to the dressing room.