Louis van Gaal was once a huge fan of reported Celtic target

By Mathew Nash

Celtic are reportedly interested in the signature of Dutch attacker Adam Maher. As reported by De Telegraaf, and relayed by the Daily Record, the Bhoys are one of a number of teams keen on the player. The 25-year-old’s contract with Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar expires in the summer and Celtic are keen on a free transfer swoop.

Whilst it may not sound like an inspiring move now, back in 2012 this would have been huge news.

Maher was something of a wonderkid at AZ. He scored on his debut for the club in the Europa League at just 17-years-old and was in the Dutch national team as a teenager.

(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)

In fact, Louis van Gaal gave him his debut for the Oranje and, as quoted by Soccer News, he suggested he was on par with Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder as potential chief playmaker for the Dutch.

Maher was being linked with a heap of top clubs. In fact, as reported by The Mirror in 2013, Manchester City were prepared to pay £15.4 million for the player.

“He must be our creative player in possession of the ball. Adam fits in a row with Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart. He can show that. He might transition better than both players’ in possession. Then he will score points with me.”

However, his career hit a slump. A move to domestic rivals PSV appeared to stunt his growth. For a myriad of reasons, he struggled in Eindhoven and a loan spell to Osmanilspor in Turkey did not help matters.

He ended up leaving for FC Twente before rejoining AZ last summer.

Maher has the ability to be one of two things. Unplayable for opposition or unbearable for fans. Celtic would be rolling the dice on this once highly touted talent.