Celtic are hoping to sign a right-winger to strengthen options for Martin O’Neill’s side before the January transfer window closes on Monday night.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has reported that 23-year-old Frosinone striker Fares Gegemis is one of the club’s targets for the position.
The reporter claims the Scottish Premiership giants are already in talks with the Serie B side over a possible deal for the winger, whose contract expires this summer, but his club has the option of extending it for a further 12 months.
Joseph added that he was already considering his own potential replacements in case Frosinone agreed a deal with Celtic that would part ways with their star forward before the deadline.
As seen in the post above, the French wing wizard has racked up 10 goal contributions in the second tier of Italian football this season, which is why he is an attractive target for the Hoops.
Celtic in contract talks with Premier League attacker
There is nothing to suggest that a transfer fee has been agreed or that the attacker’s medical is still progressing, meaning there is still room for the club to pursue other options.
In fact, the Scottish giants are reportedly considering a replacement for Gegemis in the right-wing position as they pursue multiple targets.
According to Sky Sports, Celtic are in talks with a number of targets ahead of the deadline to strengthen their wing options, including the Frosinone forward.
The Hoops are reportedly in talks with Premier League side Crystal Palace to sign Jeslyn Lac-Sakii in the coming days.
Sky Sports has named Lak Sakii and Gezemis as two wingers with whom the club is in contract negotiations, but does not say whether there are any other players yet to be named.
It was reported earlier this month that Celtic wanted to sign him for Palace, but the problem is that the Eagles want an £8m transfer fee as part of their obligation to sign him permanently at the end of his loan, and the Hoops would rather have the option.
Why Raku Saky is a dream replacement for Gegemis
Lac-Saki would be a dream replacement for O’Neill if the Scottish giants are unable to agree a deal with Frosinone for Gegemis, or if the player declines the deal.
As well as being a Serie B talent, the English forward is a left-footed right-winger and will provide an experienced manager with another option in that position. This is because right-footed players Yang Hyun-joong and James Forrest are currently the only players naturally suited to the same position.
Having a left-footed player in that position, like Nicolas Kuhn last season, allows him to get up down the line and still use his strong foot to get inside and send passes into central areas, giving him a variety of attacking angles.
Of course, being left-handed isn’t the only reason why Lak Saky could be a great replacement for Gedemis this week. He joined Rizespor on loan in the first half of the season and his form suggests he can display similar quality in the final third.
25/26 league season (per 90) | Raku Sakyi | Gegemis |
|---|---|---|
xG | 0.34 | 0.25 |
the goal | 0.44 | 0.41 |
shot on target | 0.99 | 0.92 |
Shah | 0.13 | 0.18 |
assist | 0.11 | 0.10 |
dribbling success | 1.65 | 2.24 |
Statistics by FotMob | ||
As you can see from the table above, there is no big difference in the number of goals and assists per 90 rating between Serie B and Turkish Super Lig this season, indicating that both players are similar.
However, what could give Lac Saquiy an advantage over the Frenchman is that the Frosinone forward has only scored two goals in 22 games for his club in Serie B in the 2024-25 season.
Meanwhile, the English attacker spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, making 22 starts in the Championship and scoring seven goals and providing two assists, meaning he has been more consistent than the 23-year-old ace in recent seasons.
Hailed as “disruptive” by Under-23 scout Antonio Mango, Lak Sakii may arrive at Parkhead without much of a risk as he has already played in English football and has been more consistent in the final third over the last 18 months or so.
Celtic expect to finalize £6m deal for Kyomari upgrade soon
Celtic have expressed an interest in signing a striker who would be a major upgrade to Kogo Furuhashi.
That’s why signing the Palace youngster for £8 million could be a dream alternative to any deal for the star, who has scored eight goals in Serie B before Monday’s deadline.
