If the latest transfer reports are accurate, Celtic could be about to add some serious height to their squad.
Norwegian striker Tobias Lauritsen has emerged as the latest name linked with a move to Celtic, and at 1.96 metres—6ft 5in—he would instantly become one of the tallest outfield players at the club.
It raises an interesting question.
Is Martin O’Neill looking to build a team with more physical presence?
For years, one criticism aimed at Celtic in Europe has been a lack of size and power against bigger, more athletic opponents. Lauritsen certainly wouldn’t fall into that category.
The 28-year-old has just completed another productive season with Sparta Rotterdam, scoring 12 Eredivisie goals in 34 league appearances. The season before he hit 10, and the year before that he scored 13.
That’s 35 league goals across the last three seasons in one of Europe’s strongest leagues.
Consistency.
Exactly what Celtic have sometimes lacked when injuries have hit their forward line.
Lauritsen isn’t just a target man because of his height. His movement, hold-up play and aerial ability have made him the focal point of Sparta Rotterdam’s attack, bringing others into the game while still producing double figures in front of goal year after year.
If Celtic are genuinely interested, it would represent a different type of signing.
A striker capable of offering something the squad doesn’t currently possess.
Imagine trying to defend crosses into the box with a 6ft 5in centre-forward attacking them.
Imagine having another option when teams sit deep or when European games become physical battles.
It would also complement the pace already within the squad rather than replace it.
Different problems require different solutions, and Lauritsen would undoubtedly give Celtic another dimension.
Whether a move materialises remains to be seen.
Transfer links don’t always become transfer signings.
But one thing is certain.
If Martin O’Neill is looking to build a squad capable of competing physically as well as technically, Tobias Lauritsen certainly fits that profile.
Perhaps this isn’t just about signing another striker.
Perhaps it’s about building a team that can finally match Europe’s biggest clubs physically as well as footballingly.
And if that’s the plan, supporters may have every reason to be excited.
