[Link] Celtic Bid For Balde....

CELTIC target Amido Balde last night insisted Hoops fans will quickly forget about Gary Hooper if he’s given the chance to fill the Premiership-bound striker’s boots.

The super-confident Portuguese frontman reckons a move to the SPL champs can help him achieve his ambition of becoming one of the top marksmen in Europe.

And he claimed he would be the best striker at the club.

Vitoria Guimaraes hitman Balde is hot property and with just a year left on his contract is attracting interest from teams across the continent including Celtic.

And the 22-year-old admitted the prospect of starring in the Champions League with Neil Lennon’s men is a huge attraction as he prepares to move on after a standout season with the Portuguese Cup winners.

Balde revealed he is aware Celtic are lining up a £2.5m bid as they brace themselves for the possibility of losing 31-goal Hooper. Hull are the latest club linked with the Englishman.

Speaking exclusively to Record Sport, Balde said: “I know Celtic have been in contact with my agent because they are going to lose their main striker – but I have more ability than any striker at Celtic.

“If a deal is reached where I end up playing for Celtic, the fans will be asking themselves after a just a few games, ‘Gary who’?

“I think I could go on and be the best striker in Scotland – and one of the best in Europe. Celtic will obviously be playing in Europe again next season and that’s a big thing for me.

“I know they have been watching me for some time – with teams in England and Spain as well – but the important thing to me is that I sign for a team who are playing Champions League football because that is the level I believe I should be playing at.”

With a Celtic spy in the stands, Balde helped shock giants Benfica 2-1 on Sunday to lift the Portuguese Cup.

Balde, who has scored nine goals in 19 league games this term, added: “After the win against Benfica I know what it is like to win trophies – and I want to win a lot more. Most seasons Celtic win trophies and that will also be a big factor in my decision.”

His agent Catio Balde said: “We’re waiting. Celtic have confirmed that an offer will be made.”


Bit of the jos hooiveld syndrome about this guy.

 

I seem to remember a certain Henri Camara telling Celtic fans he would make us forget all about Henrik Larsson after he was brought in to replace the talismanic Swede...........

 

I'm all for a bit of confidence, arrogance however is another matter.

 

and before he gets his foot in the door, he is written off. Typical.

 

Who's written him off?

 

I'm certainly not writing him off, I am just saying that if he is being quoted accurately (which of course he may not be) then I would prefer it if he did his talking on the pitch.

 

Confident, that's for sure. I'd be quite happy to see this come off.

 

The main thing, he hasn't used the old "using Celtic as a stepping stone". I hate when players say that. He is certainly a confident player, if the quotes are correct and not being exaggerated. Nothing wrong with a bit of confidence, especially if he comes and does the business.

 

I suppose it's the last thing you want to hear from a potential/new player but then again, you could also say at least they are being honest.

Aye, this Balde lad (who co-incidentally is: black, bald, first name begins with the letter 'O') looks a cocky young lad - as long as it's positive cockyness I'm happy with that - you do need a degree of confidence when signing for a big club.

 

As long as that is the general consensus, Our fans have a bad habit of judging players before they have even signed for us. Wait and see what he does on the pitch like you say, instead of comparing him to Hooiveld or Bangura because of what he said and instantly giving him a bad reputation.

 

*...........meant to say ENDS with the letter "O" :smiley-laughing002::smiley-laughing002::smiley-laughing002:

 

O O Omido
O O Omido
O O Omido
Omido Balde!

 

I think thats the case with most fans, not just Celtic, and I agree it is annoying beyond belief, when you get some fans almost 'wanting' someone to fail so they can give it the old 'I told you so'.
Trust me if this kid does it on the pitch I will be delighted, although I think more humble players (like Henrik) have far more class about them.

 

It just infuriates me mate. It shows that the player is already planning where to head to next before he has even signed. Some players would do well to remember, that although we play in a poor league, we are one of the biggest clubs on the planet.

 

Obob Balde!

 

So, anyone actually know anything about this boy?

He seems keen.

Also, every player who has been linked so far has mentioned the Champions League. Shows what a good European campaign can do for you

 

Hope we pull this one off. I think he will bang the goals in.

 

Can't say that I do mate - watched a few YouTube vids..........looked the part (but we all know how decieving that can be).