Report: Celtic and Rangers scout Saido Berahino, weighing up move

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TeamTalk have claimed that both Celtic and Rangers are weighing up a move to sign Zulte Waregem attacker Saido Berahino this summer, after scouting the English attacker before the suspension of football.

Berahino, 26, has been heavily criticised during his young career – mainly over incidents that saw the striker push for a move to Tottenham in 2015, arrested for drink driving twice and a bad attitude eventually saw him released by Stoke in 2019.

On the verge of an England call-up after his 20 goals – including 14 Premier League goals – in 2014-15, Berahino is now plying his trade for Belgian side Zulte Waregem. Regaining his goalscoring touch, Berahino has impressed since joining.

Indeed, the striker has been used up front, out wide and in the 10 role this season – and has had a hand in 11 goals during his 22 appearances, scoring eight and creating three. The report claims a return to Britain is on the cards.

Celtic and Rangers supposedly scouted Berahino before the global health crisis struck. Now a 12-time Burundi international, Berahino has a contract until 2021 with another year optional at Zulte – but Celtic and Rangers are considering an offer.

TBR’s view – Rangers need Berahino a lot more than Celtic

Certainly, Berahino is still young and despite all the criticism in the past, the fact is that he is a top striker and he can score goals. At the top of his game, he has broken into the England squad – but did not earn his first cap.

Celtic have plenty of options up front in the form of Leigh Griffiths, Patryk Klimala, Vakoun Bayo and Odsonne Edouard – but the latter could depart. However, Celtic are likely to replace him with a big-name striker, given the potential transfer fee.

But at Rangers, Alfredo Morelos is due to leave the club this summer with Premier League clubs interested, while Jermaine Defoe is now 37. Another option is required at Rangers and Berahino would be a good addition.