Will Fortune Favour the Brave in Celtic’s Case?​

The protracted transfer saga surrounding Marc-Antoine Fortune will finally end this week, as the French-Guianan looks set to put the finishing touches to his move to Celtic.

Fortune has turned down vastly more money in the English Premiership to join the Hoops, and in doing so, looks set to win himself a legion of loyal fans that will recognise the strength of his decision to put football above the mighty dollar.

Nonetheless, new gaffer Tony Mowbray’s marquee signing of the summer brings with him an element of risk; especially in today’s transfer market where financial prudence reigns supreme. A £3.8 million outlay may seem like relative pocket change in comparison to the gaudy sums being thrown about elsewhere in Europe, however for Mowbray’s Celtic, this represents a significant purchase.

Mowbray - first major signing almost complete?​

Fortune has failed to ever reach double figures in the scoring charts in his career as a professional footballer; that is a staggering statistic which some could say makes Aberdeen’s Darren Mackie record look world-class. Nonetheless, it is not solely his prowess in front of goal that the Celtic hierarchy have invested in – his all-round game has received great plaudits in recent times.

In particular, Fortune is seen as the perfect link between midfield and attack – current Celtic coach Peter Grant stating “if you look at the goals West Brom scored from midfield after he came in, he was phenomenal for the role he played in the goals the other lads got." At a time when Celtic’s midfield has been seen as deficient in the scoring charts, Fortune’s role could be pivotal in revitalising a group boasting players like Brown, Maloney, McGeady, Crosas and Robson – all creative talents in their own right.

Allied to this are Fortune’s renowned pace, footwork and upper body strength, which many pundits see as the ideal combination of assets should Mowbray require to play a 1-up-front formation. Especially in a European format, such adaptability is a vital tool for success.

Fortune - strong and determined.​

Far from prolific, Fortune’s move should signal a difference in playing styles from Celtic’s era under Gordon Strachan. Mowbray’s football ideology is one built around attractive football coupled with success on the field. While his new acquisition may not be a renowned scorer, it is hoped that Fortune’s all-round ability will prove pivotal during his Celtic career.

DM