In an effort to increase their roster before the final stretch of the season, Celtic made two additions during the January transfer window.
Adam Idah, a Republic of Ireland international, joined on loan from Norwich City and has since made a significant impression, scoring five goals and dishing out one assist in his first eight games [Transfermarkt].
Naturally, throughout the winter we added our lone permanent, Nicolas Kuhn, who cost £3 million to bring in from Rapid Vienna.
Prior to our 4-2 victory against Livingston last week, Brendan Rodgers discussed the attributes Kuhn can provide to his team, saying: “He’s fast, he’s dynamic and he can get in behind.” To be fair to Nicolas, he joined the team evidently amid the mid-season slump.
With just one goal in seven games, the former Germany Under-20 international has endured a sluggish start to life in Glasgow. But after his impressive performance against Livingston the previous time around, he offered a taste of what he can bring to Parkhead.
The 24-year-old, who began the match on the right side in lieu of Hyunjun Yang, helped set up Daizen Maeda’s opening goal and gave the Hoops’ forward line much-needed urgency, often outpacing Cristian Montano.
Although the wide areas haven’t been particularly consistent in their play this season, Kuhn’s performance against the Lions should earn him another opportunity to shine this weekend against Craig Levein’s St Johnstone team.
Entering a new environment is never easy for any player due to the challenges any move may present, adjusting to a new lifestyle, culture and language among the typical sticking points.
Speaking about Kuhn’s adaptation process, Rodgers has cited alternative reasons for his initial battle to hit the ground running at Celtic, referencing a bout of weight loss that occurred in the aftermath of dental surgery that led the winger to lose over a stone.
