Prolific Eredivisie winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh is worth another approach from Celtic

HITC – GLASGOW, Celtic were reportedly interested in Alireza Jahanbakhsh in 2015 – and after a thrilling season with AZ Alkmaar he is ready for a big move.

The only people relieved that Celtic did not manage to lure Alireza Jahanbakhsh to Glasgow would have been the doting parents of young supporters. Imagine having to pay through the nose for that name on the back of your eight year old’s replica kit.

Yet, two years after The Scotsman claimed that Celtic were interested, the Iran international continues to go from strength to strength in Holland.

Back in 2015, Jahanbakhsh was in the midst of a prolific debut season with second division outfit NEC Nijmegen. He’s plying his trade in the top tier these days with AZ Alkmaar and, with seven goals and eight assists to his name, ranks as one of the most dangerous wingers in the Eredivisie.

In fact, few attackers in the Dutch top flight have been as consistent this season. His ability to burn past opposition full-backs and thump home the odd long-ranger, coupled with his commendable work ethic, means he is an automatic first pick for AZ boss John Van Den Brom.

The Scotsman claimed that Nijmegen would have accepted offers of around £1.5 million for their sprightly young winger in 2015. Though AZ would expect a lot more if they were to consider bids for Jahanbakhsh in the summer.

They drive a hard bargain as Tottenham, £18 million lighter after the signing of Vincent Janssen, will tell you, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Though with Celtic facing up to the loss of Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts in the summer after 18 months of service, Brendan Rodgers is in need of options on the flank.

And the prospect of Jahanbakhsh working in tandem with Scott Sinclair, the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership, is enough to instil insomnia in any opposition manager.

Jahanbakhsh may be more expensive these days but he’s more complete too and certainly worth another approach from Celtic.