Adam Idah: The Long Road to Swansea? – Celtic striker linked with SA1 move

Swansea City are said to be closing in on the signing of Celtic striker Adam Idah, with reports suggesting a deal in the region of £7 million is nearing agreement. Talks have accelerated over the past 48 hours, and if all goes to plan, the 24-year-old could be heading to South Wales for a medical before the weekend. It’s a move that’s caught some by surprise, not least Celtic themselves, but for the Swans, this feels anything but impulsive. Idah has been on the radar for some time, and now, with the window ticking down, the club appear ready to make their move.

🇮🇪 From Cork to Carrow Road: The Making of a Modern Striker

Adam Uche Idah was born in Cork in 2001, the son of a Nigerian father and Irish mother. He cut his teeth at College Corinthians, a club known more for its community roots than producing top-tier talent. But Idah stood out early — tall, athletic, and with a knack for finding the net. By 16, he was already turning heads in Ireland’s youth setups, and by 2017 he’d made the leap to Norwich City’s academy.

At Norwich, Idah’s rise was swift. He bagged goals in the U18s and U23s, including a 10-minute hat-trick against Barnsley in the FA Youth Cup. His first-team debut came in 2019, and by January 2020 he’d scored a senior hat-trick in the FA Cup against Preston North End, a performance that had Mick McCarthy muttering about full Ireland caps on live TV.

But like many young strikers, consistency proved elusive. Over five seasons at Carrow Road, Idah made 100 appearances, scoring 12 goals. He was often used in late-game situations, asked to chase lost causes or stretch tired defences. Injuries didn’t help, nor did the revolving door of managers. Still, he showed flashes — a Premier League goal against Everton, a few tidy finishes in the Championship, and a reputation for being a physical nuisance.

🍀 The Celtic Chapter: Redemption, Glory, and Frustration

Idah’s move to Celtic in early 2024, initially on loan, felt like a gamble. Brendan Rodgers needed a striker to complement Kyogo, and Idah arrived with a point to prove. He didn’t waste time. On debut, he assisted the equaliser against Aberdeen. Days later, he scored two penalties against Hibs, including a last-gasp winner. Then came the Motherwell match, two goals, one deep into injury time. Suddenly, Celtic had a new cult hero.

His crowning moment came in May 2024, in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. Subbed on late, Idah pounced on a goalkeeper error to score the 90th-minute winner, sealing the double and sending Parkhead into delirium. That goal was replayed endlessly on social media, and Idah’s post-match quote said it all: “This has really changed my career around.”

Celtic made the move permanent that summer, reportedly paying £9m to Norwich. But the honeymoon didn’t last, and the 2025/26 season has already thrown up fresh frustrations. Idah missed big chances against St Mirren, was hooked at half-time in a goalless draw with Kairat Almaty, and just a few days ago watched Celtic crash out of the Champions League on penalties — 3–2 in Almaty, with Daizen Maeda missing the decisive kick and Idah’s own contribution to the shootout falling short of redemption.

Despite those setbacks, his overall numbers weren’t disastrous: 13 goals in 35 appearances, with a respectable strike rate when given consistent minutes. His physicality, aerial threat, and ability to run in behind made him dangerous, but he struggled when asked to lead the line without support.

🧠 What Kind of Striker Is He?

Let’s be clear — Idah isn’t a silky technician. He’s not going to drop deep and thread passes like a playmaker. But he’s 6’3″, quick over the first ten yards, and strong enough to bully centre-halves. He’s a right-footed striker who scores most of his goals inside the box: poacher’s finishes, penalties, and the odd header.

His weaknesses? He’s not a natural link-up man. His passing stats are modest, with few key passes or assists. He’s also prone to drifting out of games when isolated. But give him service, and he’ll get chances. He missed 19 big chances last season, which tells you two things — he gets into good positions, and he’s not clinical enough yet.

Still, there’s a player there. He’s 24, an Ireland international with 32 caps, and he’s played in the Champions League, the Premier League, and the Scottish Premiership. He’s not raw, just waiting for the right system.

🦢 Would He Fit at Swansea?

This is where it gets interesting. Swansea under Alan Sheehan have shown signs of tactical flexibility, but the common thread is movement, quick transitions, wide overloads, and a desire to play through the thirds.

Idah could thrive in that setup, if we play to his strengths. He needs runners around him, especially from midfield. Ethan Galbraith, with his range and vision, could be key to unlocking Idah’s movement. Out wide, the pace and directness of Ronald or Inoussa could stretch defences and create the kind of chaos Idah feeds on.

He’s a striker, not a playmaker. Feed him, and he’ll score. Isolate him, and he’ll fade.

💰 The Transfer: Risk, Reward, and Realism

Reports suggest a fee of around £7m is close to being agreed. That’s a serious outlay for Swansea, one of the biggest in our history. But it’s not reckless. Idah is proven at Championship level, has international pedigree, and is still young enough to improve.

Celtic fans are split. Some are desperate to see him go, citing inconsistency and missed chances. Others think Rodgers misused him, relying too heavily on Maeda and failing to build Idah’s confidence. That’s telling. If we back him, he could flourish.

We’ve been tracking him for months, not days. This isn’t a panic buy. It’s a calculated move for a player who fits our profile — hungry, experienced, and with something to prove.

✅ Final Verdict: A Gamble Worth Taking

So, is Adam Idah the answer? Maybe not the final answer, but he’s a damn good start.

He’s got the tools: pace, power, and a nose for goal. He’s played in big games, scored in cup finals, and knows what pressure feels like. He’s not perfect, but he’s better than what we’ve had, and he’s got the upside to become a fan favourite.

If we get this deal over the line, and if we ensure the system around him plays to his strengths rather than forcing him to adapt to ours, we could be looking at a 15-goal striker who gives us a new dimension. And let’s be honest, we need that.

Idah’s not a marquee name, but he’s a proper footballer. And if he pulls on the white shirt and scores against Cardiff, he’ll be immortal.

Let’s make it happen.