Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah has completed his transfer deadline day move from Celtic to Championship side Swansea.
Swansea announced the signing of the striker for a “significant undisclosed fee” which is reported to be around £6 million (€6.9m), about two-thirds of the sum Celtic paid Norwich last summer for the Cork man, who is in the Irish squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia (live on RTÉ).
“I want the responsibility, and it is one of the main reasons I have come here. I want to have the chance to be the main man, to lead the line and score as many goals as I can,” Idah told Swansea’s club website.
“Every striker wants that job, and to come here and try push for promotion; if you can be the main man in that then it is an amazing feeling.
“I am really looking forward to trying to do just that and score goals.
“I feel I am a good all-rounder and I can bring a bit of everything. I have the physique, I have pace, I can dribble with the ball or hold it up to bring others into play.
“Overall, I think my game is not just about any one thing, I believe I am good at all the different parts of the game so I hope I can bring that while looking to learn and still add more things moving forward.
“I am really excited, it is a fresh start for me, it’s a fresh start for my family, and I want to get going and get some goals.”
Idah, who initially joined Celtic on loan in February 2024, scored 20 goals in all competitions last season for the Glasgow giants but had fallen out of favour in the early part of the current campaign.
The confirmation of his exit increases the pressure on the Celtic board to deliver at least one centre-forward after manager Brendan Rodgers insisted on Friday he could not sanction Idah’s transfer without a guaranteed replacement.
Earlier, Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene completed his loan move from Ipswich Town to fellow Championship side Sheffield United.
Having not been involved in Ipswich’s draw with Derby County at the weekend, the Cork man had been given leave to miss Ireland training on Monday.
“I’m very happy and excited. It is an honour to be at a great club,” the 28-year-old told the Sheffield United club website.
“I’ve lived here for four years, so I like to think I know what this club means to the people and the city. It is a huge honour to be here.
Chiedozie Ogbene is in the Ireland squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers
“I have a feeling about what Sheffield United means to the people, so to be part of it now and to be immersed into this club which has over 130 years of incredible history, and has a passionate fanbase, it is something I want to be part of.
“It is almost like my second home in England and given the stature it was one I had to take. It is an opportunity you don’t pass up on.”
The versatile former Cork City, Limerick, Brentford, Rotherham United and Luton Town player initially joined Ipswich last summer ahead of their return to the Premier League.
But his season was cut short by an Achilles injury sustained in October.
Ogbene returned to fitness this summer and featured in two of Ipswich’s opening Championship games, as well as earning a recall to the Ireland squad for September’s games against Hungary and Armenia.
Republic of Ireland international Michael Obafemi is on the move
Forward Michael Obafemi has joined German second-tier side Bochum on loan from Burnley.
The 25-year-old, who has two goals in 12 appearances since making his international debut in 2018, is looking to kick-start his career after a difficult time at Turf Moor since his £3.5m move from Swansea two and a half years ago.
He played no part in the Clarets’ promotion from the Championship last season and manager Scott Parker has indicated he has no future in his first-team plans.
Obafemi scored twice in 29 league games for Plymouth on loan last term.
A move to Turkey fell through and he has now decided to head for Germany.
“I’ve heard a lot about the fans in blue and white,” he said of his move to the side that suffered Bundesliga relegation last season.
“The atmosphere here in the stadium is said to be very passionate, and I like that. That’s one of the reasons why I’m very happy that the move to Bochum worked out. It’s my first overseas move, so it’s something special.”
Obafemi’s last appearance for the Boys in Green was the 2-1 friendly defeat to Hungary 15 months ago.
Ireland midfielder Alan Browne has left Sunderland for Championship neighbours Middlesbrough on a season-long loan deal.
The 30-year-old last played for his country in October 2024, having played just 59 minutes for the Black Cats after suffering a broken leg in November last year.
Additional reporting: PA
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