Adam Idah has completed his permanent return to Scottish champions Celtic.
The Irishman departs Norwich City after seven years to join Brendan Rodgers’ men in an initial deal worth £8.5m plus a further £1m in add-ons. The Canaries have also inserted a sell on clause of 15pc into the deal.
Idah has signed a long-term contract at Celtic Park and is City’s second high-profile departure after Gabriel Sara joined Galatasaray earlier this summer.
The striker made 116 appearances for Norwich, mostly from the bench, scoring on 17 occasions including memorable late strikes against Hull and Bristol City last year.
Speaking about his departure, sporting director Ben Knapper told City’s channels: “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.”
The striker has made little secret of his desire to return to his boyhood club after a successful loan posting there in the second half of the campaign and is delighted to fulfil his desire of becoming a permanent player at Celtic.
“I think everyone knew where I wanted to be. It’s amazing for me and I’m delighted to be back,” Idah told Celtic’s official channels.
“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.”
Those sentiments are shared by Celtic boss Rodgers, who praised the hierarchy for striking a deal with the Canaries to enable Idah to return permanently.
“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.
“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.”
