Daniel Salloi - The MLS All Star who could be the ideal addition to Celtic’s frontline

Before we start, I’d like to stress I’m no statistician, scout or expert on whether this player would even fit into Ange Postecoglou’s system. This is just a suggestion and I’m not linking this player with Celtic either. With that out of the way, let’s begin. 

So far this summer, Celtic have acquired the services of two forward players. Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada have enjoyed tremendous starts to life in Glasgow. With a combined 10 goals and 4 assists in all competitions, the duo have undoubtedly hit the ground running. Despite their outstanding attacking exploits so far this campaign, Celtic still seem to be in the market for another attacker. Georgios Giakoumakis, Kevin Nisbet and Kristijan Lovric seem the likely moves should Odsonne Edouard depart. Even if the 23 year old doesn’t, an attacking reinforcement may still be required.  Despite links to Giakoumakis and Nisbet, I am going to throw a name into the hat that could kill two birds with the one stone so to speak. 

We know Celtic most likely need another addition to the front line but in which specific position though? The right wing seems to be settled with Liel Abada and James Forrest continuing to battle it out on that flank. Striker Odsonne Edouard remains at the club as well as Albian Ajeti and Leigh Griffiths however the Swiss and the Scot don’t seem to be in Ange Postecoglou’s future plans. Kyogo Furuhashi has arguably been at his best when deployed through the middle however the 26 year old can also operate on the left wing. In this position, Celtic have been utilising the services of Ryan Christie this season although questions remain over his contractual situation. Young Mikey Johnston’s career continues to be ravaged by injury and the 22 year old left winger prevails to split opinion among fans. In summary, Celtic’s frontline looks like the following (not including Leigh Griffiths, Albian Ajeti and Mikey Johnston); Liel Abada, James Forrest, Odsonne Edouard, Kyogo Furuhashi and Ryan Christie. Edouard’s future is uncertain as well as the afore mentioned contract situation with Ryan Christie. Should this matter not be solved before the end of the window, I believe one, possibly even two if Edouard leaves, additions to the attacking arsenal would not be an absurd move. 

Whether it be a left winger or striker, the profile Celtic seem to be looking for is a physical player who is a clinical finisher and goalscorer. A player who certainly fits into this category is Daniel Salloi. The Hungarian is predominantly a left winger although he can also play through the middle. This versatility could be invaluable going forward. 

Salloi plays his football for Sporting Kansas City in the MLS; a league I believe there is inordinate value in. The attacker made the move to the States from his homeland as an 18 year old exchange student. After spending a year playing for Sporting Kansas youth sides from the summer of 2014-2015, Salloi returned to Hungary to sign an amateur contract with Ujpest with whom he spent six months before rejoining Sporting Kansas. After struggling to nail down a first team place at the beginning of the 2016 season, Salloi was sent on loan to Gyirmot in his native Hungary for the final six months of the year. He came back to America at the start of 2017, looking to make an impact at Sporting Kansas. 

*Remember the MLS seasons run on a calendar year basis. 

The then 21 year old patently did. In his 12 starts and 10 substitute appearances in the MLS, Salloi scored 3 goals and assisted 1. The Hungarian begun to settle after this season scoring 11 and assisting 7 in 27 appearances in the 2018 campaign. These exploits earned Salloi a call up to the Hungarian national team for the September internationals although he didn’t get to make an appearance. Salloi dropped off in 2019. He was limited to 16 starts where he scored 1 goal and set up 1. Covid didn’t help Salloi in 2020 either, he made 6 appearances from the bench and a single start as the MLS season was reduced from 34 to 21 games. In 2021 so far though, Salloi has recaptured his rhythm. At the time of writing, he is the second top scorer in the MLS with 12 goals in 20 games. He’s not fell short of creating either, setting up 5 in the same time frame. Salloi has averaged a goal contribution every 95 minutes so far in the current MLS campaign. His upturn in form this season have seen Salloi been named an MLS All Star for the upcoming All Star match. There are 28 players picked to be All Stars across the MLS. These players come from a combination of fan, media and player votes along with some being picked by manager Bob Bradley and MLS Commissioner Don Garber. This manifests Salloi is definitely one of the top players in the MLS, this season, at least. 

In total, throughout his career, Daniel Salloi has made 167 appearances across all of his clubs. He’s scored 45 goals and assisted 22 in this time. The 6”1 winger is lively in the penalty area and is comfortable in the air as well as with his feet. In addition, Salloi is willing to put in the hard yards defensively. He has won back possession in the final third the 7th most times in the MLS in 2021 so far; 20 times in 17 starts to be precise. He also won the ball 24 times in midfield in the same period. 

Despite the fact a move for one of Georgios Giakoumakis or Kevin Nisbet to Celtic looks close, should Odsonne Edouard depart, the club may still need another attacking addition, especially on the left with Ryan Christie’s contractual situation. Salloi would provide versatility as well as value. Apart from Gianluca Busio this summer, Sporting Kansas City have never sold a player for more than £2.5 million. Salloi’s market value is £2.7 million (Transfermarkt) and I feel Celtic could do a lot worse than one of the MLS’ leading goal scorers and top players. 

Thank you for reading this article. If you have any thoughts, leave them in the comments down below or contact and follow me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog.