Celtic are currently reportedly in contact in the race to sign a replacement for Joselyn Tabi before the January transfer window closes.
O’Neill admits he wasn’t ready for January transfer window
It’s been a chaotic few months for Celtic. A look back at the course during Martin O’Neill’s interim period before the arrival of Wilfried Nancy undone all his good work.
O’Neill, who is back in charge, is keeping an eye on the transfer market in hopes of getting the Bhoys back into title contention.
Sadly, the 73-year-old admitted he wished he had had more time to prepare for the January transfer window, telling reporters: “We may end up having to take someone on loan, someone we don’t want to commit for, say, three or four years.
“I have ideas about players and things are being presented to me. Of course I would like to act sooner now.
“I think I’m trying to do that. And obviously there are other things to deal with, the club and the players themselves. And some of the guys that I really want may choose to go elsewhere. For myself, if I had been a little more prepared, I could have worked a little earlier.”
What didn’t help, of course, was that the deal to sign Bi fell through prematurely. Celtic looked likely to sign the Ivorian winger until he suffered an injury and required surgery.
Celtic have already signed Kieron Bowie and ‘Lightning’ jewels
Celtic are thought to be making a move for Kieron Bowie this month, but do they already have a genuine replacement?
The Hoops are then back to square one, eyeing options such as Andrej Ilic and current Basel star Filip Otele. According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, Celtic have contacted Otele to sign Otele, who is “set to leave” Basel this month.
The 26-year-old winger only completed his move to Basel in the summer, but could already begin a move if interested clubs meet his €7 million asking price this month.
It’s not a big-money deal, but Celtic are not the only club interested in signing the Nigerian this month. According to Jacobs, Birmingham City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth and Lazio are also interested in signing him.
With eight goals and three assists in 30 appearances for Switzerland this season, it’s easy to see why interest in Otele is growing.
He started playing non-league football while at Teesside University and then took his own path to the top, moving to Lithuania. He now has experience in the Europa League and has scored twice this season.
Proven performances at this high level suggest he is a much better fit than previous Celtic target Bi. Simply put, O’Neill needs attacking options and after seeing one deal fall through, Celtic should go all out to sign Otele this month.
