Adam Idah has signed for Celtic on a permanent basis, penning a bumper five-year contract.
After weeks of speculation, rumoured fee hurdles and off-pitch dramas, Idah has now finally returned to Glasgow's east end following a successful loan spell last season.
That successful stretch saw the 23-year-old forward score nine times in 19 games for the Scottish champions.
In doing so, Idah helped Brendan Rodgers' side seal the Scottish Premiership title for a third successive season, and clinch the Scottish Cup - the striker's 89th minute goal against Rangers in the final at Hampden Park the difference on the day.
Read more:
It's understood the initial fee Celtic will pay Norwich City for Idah will be £8.5m, with £1m-worth of add-ons. Norwich are also believed to have included a 15% sell-on clause as part of the deal.
Norwich’s sporting director Ben Knapper commented: "Adam leaves with our very best wishes. He has a great opportunity at Celtic to continue his progression.
"The academy staff have taken great pride in seeing Adam develop from a youth team player into the senior squad, and going on to become a full international with the Republic of Ireland. So many people here played a part in his journey, and he and everyone should be really proud of that.
"Everyone at Norwich City wishes Adam the very best for the future."
Rodgers had pursued the deal all summer and credited the club for making it happen.
He told Celtic TV: “We are delighted to welcome Adam back to Celtic on a permanent basis and we are so pleased that he has agreed this new five-year contract with the club.
“The club has done brilliantly to secure this long-term deal. We are investing in a player of real quality who will be crucial for us over the next few years.
“He is a player who already has given us so much, performing fantastically for us on loan and really delivering for the club and our fans last season.
“He played a pivotal role in our success last year and I know he can be hugely important for us again.
“Adam has fantastic attributes and he is a dynamic, hungry, committed player who can make a real difference.
“Really importantly, Adam feels at home at Celtic, he has a love and passion for the club and I know he will be giving everything to once again bring our fans success.”
Read more:
-
Celtic vs Rangers away fan lockout expected for next two derby clashes
-
Callum McGregor’s mentality was clearly on Celtic and not juggling Scotland duties
While Idah, who didn’t hide his willingness to make the permanent switch happen, stated: “I think everyone knew where I wanted to be. It’s amazing for me and I’m delighted to be back.
“Within the first couple of days of being here when I came on loan first time, I wanted to play for Celtic.
"It was amazing to get all of those goals and to be in with the boys and to see these amazing fans week in, week out was unbelievable.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it and I’m just so happy to be back.
“I always wanted to play for Celtic and obviously last season was amazing. To come here now and be fully a part of the team and a part of this club is amazing to me.
“Everyone back home, all my family and friends, they all wanted me to come back to Celtic, myself included, so it’s massive and I’m just so happy to be here."
