Celtic complete Idah purchase from Norwich City

Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah has completed his permanent transfer from Norwich City to Celtic for an undisclosed fee, saying “everyone knew where I wanted to be”.

The 23-year-old, who has agreed a five-year contract, was on loan with the Scottish champions in the second half of last season, scoring nine goals.

In early July, Norwich turned down Celtic’s opening offer, believed to be around £4m-5m, but a higher offer has since been accepted.

Idah had been facing disciplinary measures at Norwich after missing a flight to their pre-season camp in Austria but came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 Championship defeat by Oxford United.

But he told Celtic TV: “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.

“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.”

In the last of his 19 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side, Idah hit a last-minute winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers and the Celtic manager is delighted to welcome back such a “dynamic, hungry, committed player”.

“The club has done brilliantly to secure this long-term deal,” he added. “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.”

Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper described the move as “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,” he told his club website.

“So many people here played a part in his journey and he and everyone should be really proud of that.”