Macnchester City Loan Report: John Guidetti Stars at Celtic

Swedish under-21 international John Guidetti is rediscovering the form he enjoyed during a prolific stay in Feyenoord in the 2011/12 campaign.

The Manchester City striker lost his way following his productive spell in the Eredivise with an unsuccessful loan spell at Stoke City last season, leaving him searching for a location to reignite his career.

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

With eight goals in eight appearances so far, it seems Guidetti has found his feet with the Scottish club Celtic.

Guidetti and Celtic seem perfectly matched at present. The Scottish champions have lacked a clinical finisher since Gary Hooper joined Norwich City last year, and Guidetti himself seems to be relishing life north of the border. 

The Swede bagged a treble in Celtic’s 6-0 thrashing of Partick Thistle to help book their place in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup.

"

John Guidetti 2nd free-kick against Partick Thistle https://t.co/BctGd1d7hS

— Celtic Vines (@CelticVines) October 29, 2014"

The 22-year-old looks head and shoulders above the rest in the Scottish Premiership technically, scoring a variety of goals in his short time in Glasgow. Two of his three on Wednesday night’s win came from free kicks to add to his set-piece goal against Kilmarnock last weekend. 

His goals and bold attitude have made him an instant favourite with the Celtic supporters, who are already well versed in hero worship of Swedish strikers. The confident attacker has even found time to showcase his rapping prowess. 

The deadline-day move for Guidetti is arguably the best piece of business of Ronny Deila’s short time in charge of in Glasgow, and it is a move Celtic very much want to make permanent. The Daily Record quotes the Celtic manager on Guidetti’s stay so far in Scotland:

"

He has been very good from day one. His confidence is fantastic and he has the values we are looking for at the club. This looks like his home. Celtic and John are suited together and we want to continue with that. I hope he stays here and we will do everything we can to make him become a Celtic player permanently.

"

Those hopes were reflected in positive quotes from the player himself, coupled with the fact that his contract with the Premier League champions expires at the end of the season.

EuroFootball/Getty Images

However The Scotsman reports that Manchester City have placed an astonishing £5 million asking price on Guidetti, should any club wish to purchase the player. That asking price will not be entertained at Celtic Park, and there will now be a competition to sign him on a pre-contract from 1 January. 

In the meantime Guidetti is eyeing a trophy haul at Celtic Park this season, which could potentially involve a long awaited meeting with old firm rivals Rangers.

It seems despite not having a future at Eastlands, Guidetti is showing hunger and talent which could yet lead to him becoming be a top-class European striker in the future.