If a recent report from the Polish outlet Polska Sportowy (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Patrik Walemark ahead of a potential summer swoop. But they are not alone in the race, as the Dutch side Groningen are also chasing the Lech Poznan winger with just over two weeks left in the ongoing transfer window.
The 24-year-old former Sweden youth international progressed through Bankeryds SK and Qviding’s academy ranks back in his homeland before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad. He first experienced top-flight football with Häcken, and his impressive Allsvenskan stint earned him a €3.25m transfer to Feyenoord in January 2022.
However, Walemark found his minutes limited under then-boss Arne Slot, who eventually sanctioned a season-long loan move to Eredivisie opponents Heerenveen. Lech Poznan secured his services for around €1.80m a couple of summers ago, and the attacking ace has since revived his form, scoring 12 goals and assisting 6 times in 52 appearances for the Polish hotshots.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 15: Patrik Walemark of Feyenoord is challenged by Alexandra Borkovic of SK Sturm Graz during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Feyenoord and SK Sturm Graz at Feyenoord Stadium on September 15, 2022, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The Swedish star has been key to their back-to-back Ekstraklasa triumphs and also contributed to last month’s Polish Super Cup silverware. Poznan have set a valuation of £6m for their prized asset, and the Celts must now decide whether to bring in another right-sided attacker after splashing £9m for Egypt’s World Cup sensation Haissem Hassan.
Why Celtic Should Step Up The Chase For Walemark
The Hoops are focusing on quality additions over quantity, as they look to bolster certain areas of the pitch. Despite conquering a domestic double, thanks to a late resurgence under Martin O’Neill, the veteran Irishman has reiterated the necessity of reinforcements to maintain their supremacy in Scottish football. They have yet to find an able successor to Nicolas Kuhn, with James Forrest past his prime and Yang Hyun-jun failing to replicate his end product.
While the gaffer has deployed Camilo Duran as a wideman, the Colombian is more effective as a ‘number 9’. He should be rotated with Kasper Høgh up top, as the flexibility of their attacking recruits must be utilised to inject more finesse, flair and firepower.
Predominantly left-footed, Walemark prefers to operate from the right as an inverted winger. He is flexible enough to slot in down the left, or as a ‘number 10’, where he would challenge and cover his compatriot Benjamin Nygren. Celtic are to make a substantial profit from Arne Engels’ impending transfer to West Ham United, and should engage in further talks with Poznan for their versatile forward.