Celtic could be set for a summer shake-up in the forward line, with former striker Frank McAvennie giving his backing to a potential move for Danny Ings. The 32-year-old is available on a free transfer following his release from West Ham, and McAvennie believes he would bring the experience and goals Celtic need as they reshape the attack this summer.
The January sale of Kyogo left a significant gap at the top end of the pitch. While Adam Idah impressed in spells he lacked the consistency week in week out, questions remain over whether he’s ready to lead the line consistently. McAvennie argues that Ings would offer a valuable blend of experience and finishing ability to complement Celtic’s current forward options.
Ings, a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, would not be a long-term solution, but his potential impact over 12–18 months is not being dismissed by those with experience at the club. With Celtic set to challenge across all competitions next season, including Europe, rotation and squad depth will be key.
Some supporters may be sceptical about bringing in another veteran forward on a free, especially after receiving a reported £10 million for Kyogo. The expectation from sections of the support is that the club reinvests heavily in a top-quality, long-term striker, but McAvennie insists that experience still has a place.
He said: (Let Me Be Frank Podcast), “I think he (Danny Ings) would be a great signing for Celtic. We never replaced Kyogo. They haven’t replaced him.
“Adam Idah is learning. I think he is going to be a wonderful player. Not near the finished article yet. But he is a great player. Looks like an honest boy.
“I think so (there is a future for Idah at Celtic). See if you sign someone like Danny Ings. Danny won’t play every game, which will mean Adam will come in.
“And I don’t want to play Maeda through the middle. I think he is better on the wing, although he scores a lot of goals. I think he is better out there. He terrifies people.
“Danny Ings would come in and play, even if he played an hour. Get Adam on, that’s the way it’s going to be.”
McAvennie’s comments highlight an issue Brendan Rodgers must address this summer, finding the right mix of youth and experience up front. Idah has shown enough to warrant starts at times, but still lacks the consistency required at the highest level. Ings, with his years in the English top flight, could offer stability and help shoulder the goalscoring burden.
Celtic now face a choice between signing an experienced short-term option or bringing in a striker with long-term potential. Brendan Rodgers might try to do both, but the final call will depend on the budget and keeping the squad balanced. A lot will come down to whether the club think Ings can still perform at a high level in a competitive league.
Fans might not all agree, but McAvennie’s opinion adds something to the debate about Celtic’s strikers. Maeda is arguably just as effective up top, and there’s still no clear replacement for Kyogo, so bringing in someone like Ings for the short term does make some sense but not the most. How Celtic go about their transfer business this summer will show exactly what their plans really are for the season ahead.
